Q&A With Our New Head of Pre-Prep Gemma Field

Q. Where did you work before coming to Chafyn Grove?

I have been extremely fortunate to work in some wonderful places both overseas and in the U.K. over the past twenty years. It has been my pleasure to play a small part in the lives of so many young people and their families.  Most recently, before joining Chafyn Grove this September, I was the Assistant Head Teacher and SENCO at a local Primary School in the New Forest.

Q. What are you looking forward to most about the role?

I am very excited to be leading the Pre-Prep at Chafyn Grove. Being part of the learning journey that our youngest children will embark upon in their formative years of education is truly a privilege. I look forward to working in partnership with a dedicated team off staff and parents to foster the best outcomes for all of our pupils.

Q. Your son is in Year 3 here, before you joined Chafyn as a teacher, what was it that attracted you to the school?

My son joined the nursery aged 3 and he has never looked back! As a parent I was drawn to the Chafyn Grove ethos of enjoyable challenge for all pupils. The inclusive nature of the school and nurturing approach to all children achieving their individual potential was striking, only made possible by the amazing team of staff that work so hard.

Q. Do you have any exciting plans or changes for the Pre-Prep that you can share with us?

I believe that children have their most successful learning outcomes when they have a good range of first-hand real life experience. In Pre-Prep we like to take our learning beyond the classroom, as well as some firm favourites, we have some new trips to look forward to this term including the Fire Station and the Pantomime! There has already been an investment in the Early Years outdoor learning environment to allow children to have equality of opportunity in their learning both inside and outside. It is my vison to collaborate with our older pupils as role models for the Pre-Prep, we have already established a reading buddy scheme, which is proving a real success.

Posted: 04/10/23