Primary Provision

Ribblesdale School Primary Provision

Opening September 2023

Ribblesdale School has served the community of Clitheroe for 90 years. Now, in this exciting landmark year, we are delighted to announce the forthcoming opening of our new primary provision.

Ribblesdale School is becoming an all-through school, meaning that we can offer an innovative, forward-thinking, personalised and highly regarded education and our ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted 2020) personal development provision to pupils aged 4 to 16.

The advantages of an all-through education are manifold. Pupils joining our school’s reception class will benefit from a well-resourced, carefully planned and individualised curriculum developed and delivered by our experienced Early Years specialist. Our children will be nurtured and supported from the Early Years and through Key Stages 1 – 4 by one extensive team of professional teachers and support staff who can offer a wealth of expertise across the whole of the national curriculum and beyond.

The governors, staff and pupils of Ribblesdale feel privileged to be offered the opportunity to develop as an all-through school and are gratified by the endorsement of the local authority and wider community which allows us to write the next exciting chapter of our school’s story. Together, we feel a sense of collective confidence, enthusiasm and empowerment as we look forward to the journey ahead and we invite your family to join our community and your child to be part of the next generation of Ribblesdale learners. A warm Ribblesdale welcome awaits you!

Meet The Team

Primary Phase Lead, Miss Joanne Whalley

My name is Jo Whalley and I am the Phase Lead for the new Primary Provision at Ribblesdale. I am so excited to be joining the Ribblesdale team to lead the new phase for the younger children.

I graduated from the University of Hull with a BA Honours in American Studies and then completed a PGCE in Primary Education. My four-year degree afforded me the opportunity to study in America for a year, where I attended Louisiana State University.

I have 14 years of teaching and leadership experience in a range of settings in Manchester, Lancashire and, most recently, in Bolton, as Deputy Head of a large primary school. During my career I have worked with children from a variety of backgrounds and have led on English and maths, as well as developing the wider curriculum across the whole school.

I am looking forward to creating a bespoke curriculum for our Primary Phase and ensuring that all our children have the opportunity to learn creatively, build positive relationships and become the very best that they can be.

Having been fortunate enough to grow up in the Ribble Valley and attend Ribblesdale myself, I have experienced first-hand the excellent education provided by the school. I am deeply invested in Ribblesdale School and acutely aware of the many exciting opportunities created by the opening of the new Primary Phase. I am looking forward to welcoming a new generation of Ribblesdale pupils and working with you to help them make a fantastic start to their education.

Jo Whalley Primary Phase Lead

Early Years Foundation Stage Lead, Mrs Rachel Furness

I am really excited to join Ribblesdale School as the new Early Years Lead. I have worked as a teacher since 1997 and 15 of those years have been teaching Reception children. In previous lead roles I have set up newly built provisions, facilitating the creation and delivery of an engaging, ambitious and bespoke curriculum with the children in my care at the core of all I do.

I have always loved teaching in the Early Years as I love helping children to settle into school routines and encouraging them to become confident, independent learners. I am passionate about the opportunities the living, outdoor world presents for learning and deeply committed to a balanced, holistic education with every child’s wellbeing at its heart. As a mother to two children, I firmly believe that all children deserve outstanding educational opportunities to ensure they reach their full potential.

I am thrilled to be joining Ribblesdale School at the start of this new chapter as an all-through school. I am really looking forward to meeting you and your children as, together, we begin the amazing adventure of your child’s journey through school.

Rachel Furness, EYFS Lead