School Links and Partnerships - Manor Park First School

The Dorchester Area Schools Partnership (DASP) came into being in 1992. Its mission is simple: to provide the best education for all the students who are educated in the Dorchester area.

By linking our resources, expertise, enthusiasm and commitment we are able to provide a level of continuity in our educational provision that few can match.

The Partnership has an annual development plan and steering group and is working together upon all key agendas in education at present.

Our strength as a group has meant we are able to make particular progress in Behaviour Support, Information and Communication Technology, the maintenance of our buildings, a database of student attainment and progression, literacy, staff development and a whole host of other initiatives.

The Partnership leads the way in Dorset and perhaps nationally in ensuring that resources are used in the most effective way to provide a relevant and successful education for all.

The main aims of DASP are to ensure that all children within the partnership schools will enjoy education that is appropriate to their age, needs and ability.
All of the schools are committed to working together to...

... provide a coherent education for all children
... share expertise and resources
... use common systems of recording pupils' progress
... ensure a smooth transition between school

"DASP provides a means for passing information about pupils and for building curriculum continuity which enables schools to share resources effectively" (OfSTED 1997)

Manor Park CE VC First School is run by the local authority but has strong links with the Church. This goes back to the time when there was a St George’s Infant School in Fordington, which was closed when the new Manor Park School was opened. Two foundation governors are appointed by the diocese of Salisbury and serve for four years at a time. The Rector of Dorchester is an ex officio governor and the Vicar of St George’s Church is usually appointed as his representative.

Children visit St George’s Church in school-time as part of the curriculum and for various services at St. George’s Church. With licensed lay minister Allen Knott, and a team of nine other adult volunteers, Richard Betts, the Vicar of St George’s, runs two lunch clubs for children in years one, two and three : with the focus on a bible story and related activities, and a shared lunch with the children.

Like the school, the Church of England in Dorchester is committed to teamwork. St. George’s is one of three Anglican churches in the town and we work closely together. Though historically the direct link has been with St. George’s, all the Churches will extend a warm welcome to any Manor Park School family.

The Healthy Schools Programme is a key part of the Government's drive to improve standards of health and education and to tackle health inequalities. Its aim is to make children, teachers, parents and communities more aware of the opportunities that exist in schools for improving health.

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