Wider Development

At Sandford, our broad and balanced curriculum is enhanced by a wide range of opportunities and experiences designed to nurture, develop and stretch pupils' talents and interests. 

Outdoor Learning

At Sandford, outdoor learning is really important to us.  We have wonderful grounds, including a field, a wildlife pond, an outdoor learning classroom, firepit and even chickens! 

Community Engagement

Read more about our annual Craft Fair here! 

Extra-curricular clubs

 We provide on-site childcare and extra-curricular clubs and activities.

 Sunflowers is our on-site childcare service. It is managed by the school. It is open five mornings a week from 7.45am to 8.45am and on Monday to Thursday afternoons from 3.30pm to 5:30pm. The club provides a wide variety of activities. Children are supervised by experienced and well-qualified staff. Most Sunflowers staff also work in the school in other capacities. Places are booked by ringing 07970 558786 or emailing sunflowers@exevalleyfederation.org.uk. Committed bookings bring a reduction in fees, but ad-hoc places are available.

We run extra-curricular clubs and activities in addition. 

All activities end at 4.30pm. Places are limited, and the booking slip will need to be returned.

When Dodgeball and Drama finish a member of Sunflowers Staff will dismiss your child to you, or the named adult, collecting. If you are happy for your child leave the school without an adult, for example to walk home unsupervised, please send us a note to this effect. If your child is already attending a Sunflowers session on the day of their chosen activity then you do not need to pay any additional costs, but please return the form so we are aware that your child would like to participate. If you have any questions about our extra-curricular activities, please speak to Sunflowers Staff or email sunflowers@exevalleyfederation.org.uk

This is our Sunflowers room:

Leadership Responsibilities

Children in Dart take on the responsibility of librarians. They were all trained by a member of the Devon Library Service and are responsible for keeping the library orderly, and assisting Mrs Morton in issuing and checking in books.

Here is our library:

 We also have a school council, with representatives from Creedy, Tavy and Dart.  The school council meets fortnightly and is run by Mrs Lake.

 Eco council has representatives in Creedy, Tavy and Dart.  The eco council meets fortnightly and is run by Mrs Parsons. 

A group of Year 5/6 children have been trained up by our sports coach, Mr Keast.  Our play leaders work on a rota to lead games and activities at playtimes and lunchtimes.  They also take responsibility for looking after the playground equipment.

Performances and Open Afternoons

As a school, we hold regular performance to parents, carers and the wider community. These include the Otter and Creedy Christmas performance, the annual Nativity, which is held at St Swithin's Church, the spring term Tavy performance and the end of year Dart performance. 

Music

 In addition to the Music curriculum offer, the children at Sandford School have access to peripatetic music tuition within the school day.  In addition to this, we are lucky to have an expert music teacher come in on a weekly basis to deliver whole class instrumental lessons.  All children take part in a weekly singing assembly.

Trips and Visits

Our curriculum is enhanced throughout the year by trips and visits which link to our learning. We like to make the most of our local environment and community, planning in trips within our locality, such as to St Swithin's Church, Exmouth beach, Kents Cavern, and Woolly Animals, as well as welcoming visitors with knowledge or talents to share!  

Residentials

Each year, children in Years 3 - 6 have the option to participate in a residential visit with peers from across the Exe Valley Federation. 

In ·Year 3 and 4, the children stay at Bracken Tor YHA .

Year 5 and 6 alternate between a city trip to Bath and Bristol, visiting the Roman Baths, the SS Great Britain and The Wild Place Project, as well as watching ‘The King and I’ at the Hippodrome, and an outdoor adventurous centre.  In previous years they have stayed a Heatree Activity Centre on Dartmoor.  This year they are going to Ultimate Adventure in North Devon. 

Transition

One of the benefits of being in a federation is the opportunity for pupils to mix with a wider peer group than their school class. We plan opportunities throughout the year to engage with other children from the EVF schools, including Sports at LMLC, sporting tournaments, shared trips and transition events. 

Y6 Transition Event 2023

This event was held at Sandford School and included a wide range of activities including outdoor learning, team building and sports activities.

Year 6 Transition Event 2024

This event was held at Sandford School and involved children from Sandford, Newton St Cyres, Cheriton Fitzpaine and Brampford Speke.  They spent the day in secondary school groups and took part in a wide range of activities including printmaking, first aid and drama.