DESPITE being in a small village, Coads Green school is taking big steps to get the most out of community life.

The school was originally built as a chapel in 1826 and then, when a new chapel was built 23 years later, the building was used as a Sunday school.

The school opened its doors in 1867 with 12 children aged from three to 12 years old. By the April of that year the numbers had increased by a further 10.

There were fears of closure at the school in 1977, but this was stopped in April of that year when there was only one teacher and one auxiliary. Due to an upsurge in pupil numbers in 1979 a second teacher was appointed to replace the auxiliary.

The school now hosts a roll of 70 who are situated in three classes.

Heritage

The head is Kathy Jarrett who has been at the school since January. Working in the close-knit school which has four teachers (senior teacher Claire Goodright, Jenny Chester, Laurie Meitiner and Kathy herself), a nursery nurse, Diane Balman, and three support staff (Kathy Davies, Rona Hidderley and Jan Bartlett), the pupils take an active role in the day-to-day running of the building.

One of the longest-serving members of staff is Rona Hidderley.

Rona started at the school 18 years ago as a replacement dinner lady. Her initial position was for three months, but while she was there the position of auxiliary came up. She applied and got the job and at first did both duties.

Rona said: 'The biggest thing to change has been the building. It has been nice to see it develop - I think one of the biggest changes was the inside toilet block.

'Every headteacher has left a mark on the school and I'm looking forward to see what Kathy does!'

Receptionist Sofie White said that everyone in the school and village is very friendly.

'Everyone knows each other here and we always say hello to one another when we meet,' she said.

Children take it in turns to order the school's lunches. Going round the school in a pair, the children take the orders from the class and then phone them on to the kitchen where they are prepared.

Kathy said that this helps them take on responsibility and helps them feel part of the everyday running of the school.

The school building is compact but has a colourful and active playground. Bright murals on the wall promote Cornish heritage and the playground also has a 'Huff and Puff' line, which gives students a burst of fitness through different activities.

The school has a strong stance on sports. Parents run both after-school netball and football teams and also take part in sports tournaments.

There is also a cross country club at Coads Green, which according to Kathy, runs in all weathers with parents again taking an active role. The team runs regularly and also enters in the Landrake Fun Run.

There is also a craft club after school.

According to Kathy, the school is now playing a prominent and important role in the community.

The school puts on a play at Christmas each