Orla’s Story

‘A supportive and caring environment for learning, putting children first. Generous levels of staffing…rigorous monitoring of academic standards…a very high level of pastoral care…parents expressed their overwhelming support. Staff work cohesively to realise their vision to set high aspirations for every child within a secure and inclusive community. High expectations for each child are fully met.” (ISI)

Our nurturing environment fosters independence, supports resilience, encourages motivation and develops concentration skills – all leading to effective learning. The high ratio of staff to pupils allows us to support each individual, as they flourish and grow. The setting also encourages learning through play and activities – both teacher-led and pupil-led. Playing and exploring inspires engagement and independent thinking.

When your child joins Ballard, they are not only joining a School, but a family. Our values match yours: kindness, respect, curiosity, responsibility, safety, honesty and a positive attitude.

“Orla started in Nursery at Ballard, when her brother joined Reception and they have both loved every minute of it so far and are so happy to be back at School. Everything is perfectly formed for them: from the food technology suite and library to the huge array of resources including tailored computers and iPads. Orla loves the deckchairs in the new reading hut and loves all the different ways she can practice her letters and numbers including threading, stitching and the alphabet snake.

The transition into each academic year has been positive and we have been astounded by the excellent level of education and care from the Pre-Prep teaching staff. They are also lucky enough to have lessons with Senior School teachers and use all the facilities for PE, Dance, Music and French. Orla enjoys her gymnastics club, every Friday, with a national coach. They are never bored and each day seems to bring some new excitement. Recently, Orla went to Marwell Zoo with School. She has been learning about Australia in class and, for Science, about animals and their habitats so she loved the Wallabies in particular.

I love the fact that there is lots of outdoor learning at Ballard. Both children get lots of time to enjoy the wonderful grounds and interact with nature, climbing trees, going on nature walks, hunting for frog spawn. Last year Orla was really excited to see the Ballard Mallard nest outside her classroom and was delighted when she waddled off with her ducklings a few weeks later.

They also love Forest School where they are given the freedom to work independently or as part of a team, learning everything from fire lighting to building dens. In the summer term Orla will get to go to Beach School, too.

We love being part of the Ballard family, both of our children go into School and come home with a smile on their face.” Orla and Finley’s Mummy.