Scope and Content
In Index under C - Cleaning (school) Mrs King appointed Nov 18th 1901
P1. September 1873 - Commenced School after Harvest Holiday. October 3rd - several boys absent on account of field work. Oct 21 - Very cold - Obliged to have a fire in school and allowed children to march and exercise for 10 minutes to get warm before lessons.
P2. November 4 - Small attendance of girls in consequence of Plaiting - schools being opened in Winter, Plaiting not being now permitted in this school.
P3. January 7 1874 - The children had half holiday as a room being prepared for a Magic Lantern entertainment given to them in the evening by Rev H Howlett. February 26 - small attendance due to weather. March 23 - Martha Hutchinson came as Monitoress for the Infants.
P4. March 3 - Inspection report - copy - Children moderately advance for age, Reading fair but Writing and Spelling fair for elder children but less for younger ones. Arithmetic is weak and instruction of the infants hardly shows results. Sewing fair. Under the circumstances their Lordships look for a very decided improvement in writing and arithmetic otherwise a reduced grant, if no improvement entire grant forfeited next year.
P5. Jessie Edmondson, Certificated Teacher of the 2nd Class, J H Howlett Correspondent of Managers. Only 25 children at school due to snowy weather. April 2 Mrs Howlett came in the afternoon and gave the children oranges.
P7. July 29 Whole holiday being the day of the school feast - then Harvest holidays. October 11 Small attendance in afternoon on account of Shefford Fair - those who were present, 48 had apples after school.
P8. December 11 - new Harmonium for use of school by private subscription.
P9. January 14 1875 - Large attendance of boys and not being allowed to work under 12 years of age (Agricultural Children's Act). January 29th - Many absent on account of mumps.
P10. Annual inspections copy of report - The attainment continues low in the school and not progress expected. Arithmetic and spellings are specially weak - the needlework is good and some writings very fair. The Lords have ordered the grant be reduced by one tenth and the issue of Mrs Edmondsons certificate is deferred until a more favourable report is received.
P11. April 5 Holiday during the week on account of illness. April 12 Holiday continued. April 19 School continues. April 30 Small attendance as girls away gathering flowers for May Garlands.
P12. May 25 - School holiday Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday due to Organ being put in school. May 31 - Infants now leave school in the afternoon after 1 and half hours secular instruction in accordance with the provisions of the New Code 1875.
P13 August 30 Harvest Holidays 5 weeks children had buns given by Mrs Howlett. Sept 27 - School commences - new class room for infants completed and used for the first time. Elizabeth Millard appointed Monitoress in room of Martha Peck.
P15. January 12 1876 -All children presented with some useful article of clothing by Mrs and Miss Howlett.
P16. February 23 - school inspection copy report - Reading, Writing and Arithmetic still remain imperfect. The Lordships have ordered last years deduction of one tenth to be repeated and calls for serious attention from those interested in the welfare of the school. The issue of Mrs Edmondsons certificate be referred until a more favourable report is received.
P17. March 22 The bell was hung in the school - Gift from Mr Ainsworth Senior. April 13 - Annie Harris was appointed Monitress.
P20. January 1st 1877 Children had books and cards given to them by Mrs Howlett. January 26 - New desks for third class. March 2nd - very small attendance on account of bronchitis among the children.
P21. March 19 - 20 - 2 day holiday on account of organ being removed from school to church. Inspection copy report - Sewing particularly good. Elementary work is not yet accurate but shows some improvement upon last year, Geography for the first time has been attempted. A deduction of one tenth has again be made from the grant for faults of instruction show by unsatisfactory results. Unless decided improvements next year -more severe deduction. The issue of Mrs Edmondson certificate is deferred.
P23. May 10 - Holiday in the afternoon being teachers birthday. May 18 Several children kept from school on account of the high price of bread. June 1st Very small attendance on account of Whooping cough. June 20 - Whole holiday - Queens accession.
P24. 22 September 1877 John Holles and Mary Anne Holles appointed Master and assistant Master.
P28. January 31 1878 - After a visit by Attendance officer, several boys attended school this week but very backwards indeed. Received the school Attendance Committee Register to be filled in Quarterly with each pupils attendance.
P29. March 5 - Received Inspectors report - copy - The numbers in school have increased but attainment still remain low. The present Master however has only been here four months. A deduction of one tenth is made for faults of instruction. Heavier penalty will be inflicted next year unless a very great improvement. M A Holles is now recognised as qualified man. Art 32 (c) 3.
P30. March 26 - Rose Faulkner admitted - been in village 6 months - Master saw parents and warned them of the folly of keeping her at home doing nothing - found she could not read words of one syllable.
P32. May 10 - No school as consequence of the wedding of the Rector son the Rev H Howlett. August 14 - Attendance Office called and warned boys not to go to work until they had obtained their certificates. May 27 - Gave Labour certificates to two boys that had just returned to school found they had made 250 attendances for 2 years. June 3rd Attendance 80 - Attendance officer not been lately, many boys gone to work taking advantage of his not being about.
P33. July 3rd - Attendance still low - Attendance Officer doing nothing - boys away in fields. July 9 - Boys warned by Attendance officer.
P34 - Tea party for whole school at Rectory.
P36. October 28 - 120 present - highest ever - 2 boys returned who had been working in he fields, the Attending Officer having warned their employer.
P37. December 2 - Measles broken out in village, several cases among the children.
P38. January 7 1879 - Charlotte Jepp returned to school Attendance Officer having given warning to parents as only having made 24 attendance during the year.
P39. February 7 - Attendance Officer called 50 children absent out of 138 on books, still no one punished for absence though the Officer has been appointed over 12 months.
P41. March 20 - Report for 1878 - copy - There is considerable improvement in the school both in regards of numbers and attainment. The arithmetic should still receive special attention and a grant is claimed next year. Mrs Holles is recognised as qualified under Art 32 (c) 3. but not feel able to recommend the issue of a certificate. Mr Holles will shortly receive his certificate.
P42. March 28 - No singing lesson due to death of Mrs Howlett. April 25 No school in afternoon in consequence of the funeral of the Rectors wife.
P43. May 7 - Martha Peck appointed Sewing Mistress so Mrs Holles could take the sole charge of the Infants.
P44. June 19th Sarah Tysome came to school had been absent since February 20th.
P46. July 21 - Mrs W Tysome took her children home and would not pay her pence as the children had only been a day or so in the week. Several had been doing that of late, not pay unless present most of the week.
P47. August 18 - Several children attacked with the measles. Attendance very bad. August 22 - 61 present Measles very bad in many families and many at work in the field and girls at home for plait work.
P48. August 29 - 53 present - very bad measles - many taking advantage of measles to stay away to plait - school closed in consequence. October 6 - school reopened - 69 present - Miss C Howlett gave the books to those who came to school with tidy hair.
P49. November 6 - Stag Hunt in village - many children absent to see it , only 64 present.
P51. January 9 1880 - Final attendance in afternoon only 55 as Stag Hunt in the Village.
P54. March 19 - Inspection report 1879 - The school in fair condition but attainment not improved since last year. Fair answers to Geography, some weakness in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, some decline perhaps in needlework. Lords will look for improvements as a condition of an reduced grant.
P59. July 23 - Cricket Match in the Parish one day, Agricultural show at Biggleswade and Haymaking caused many to be absent.
P60. September 29 - tea party in village the cause. October 1 - average 80 present this week due to Bean Gleaning. October 11 - 33 present it being Shefford fair.
P62. November 9 - Scarlet Fever in the village, 2 deaths of little children, but they had lived so far from the school the Managers did not close the school but had disinfectants used all over the premises. 116 little ones that died had not been to school being too young. November 18 -No further spread of scarlet fever but at Shefford its spread much school closed in consequence. Disinfectants in and outside school still used.
P63. November 29 - No more scarlet fever present in parish.
P66. March 4 - Bad attendance from bad colds but most away in fields and plaiting.
P69. July 14 - School met at 1 o'clock in stead of 2, closed at 1/4 past 3 for the day only in consequence of a cricket match in the village.
P72. Received Bye Laws from Biggleswade on Wednesday November 2nd,.
P73. December 2 - Effect of School Attendance Office - causing 4 - 5 to be fined, the first who have been in this village.
P74. December 23 - Half day holiday to get room prepared for concert given and of funds for repair church bells.
P75. January 9 1882 - Alice Mary Fielder, Certified Mistress of the 2nd Division opened the school. The assistant mistress being unable to attend until the Monday. The work of the school is carried on without her. A girl from the 1st Class is to assist this week. (Eliza Millard) January 16 - Miss Shackleton commenced duties.
P78. March 9 - Time table altered in the afternoon as Harriet Rogers having passed the 6th standard at the last examination has this week served as monitor for the infants.
P79. March 27 - Miss Crick of Ampthill girls school is assisting the Mistress this week as the Ampthill schools being closed. March 28 - Three children, Harry Lawrence, Eliza Dilley and Frederick Dilley have been transferred from the Infant room having attained the age of 7 years.
P80 - March 20 - Summary of inspection - Attainment at present low, Discipline not perfect. A new teacher, however, has been appointed within the last few weeks and improvements may now reasonably be expected. School staff Alice Mary Fielder, Head Teacher, Alice Shackleton, Assistant.
March 13 - a letter was received from Education Department acknowledging Alice Shackleton qualified to serve as assistant in this school.
P80. April 17 - Agnes Cakebread having attained the age of 7 years is now in this department.
P83. July 13 - Mary Martin attained the age of 7 years has been brought with Standard 1 in this room. July 24 - Letter received from H M Inspector in answer to an enquiry made by Rev'd J H Howlett as to whether the Infants could obtain the 10/- Shilling Grant. The letter stated that as the Infants are not under a Certificated Teacher this is impossible. September 18 - School commenced after a holiday of 6 weeks. The harvest not being over, the Rev'd J H Howlett thought it best that another weeks holiday should be given. An assistant has been engaged for help in standard work generally in place of 2 monitors. one Monitress Eliza Millard is retained. The name of the Assistant is Maria Boufield of S. Saviours', Hitchin.
P85. October 18 - Letter received by Rev'd J Howlett certifying that Maria Boufield has been entered as an Assistant Teacher (Article 79) in this school. Admitted Catherine Roberts.
P86. October 23 - A very wet morning, low attendance - afternoon. a severe storm of wind and rain prevented the children attending and children allowed to remain until such time the storm had abaited so they could reach home in safely. November 13 - Inspection report - Considerable progress has been made since last year. The general level in the Viva Voce and Written work has been raised. Standard 1 is at present the weakest part of the school. Singing very fair. Some good. School reported 'good'. Augustus S Stokes. Diocesan Inspector.
P87. November 27 - Letter received from the Rural Sanitary Authority at Bedford stating the children belonging to William Pratt must not be allowed to attended school for 1 week as one boy had died of diphtheria. December 4 - Readmitted George Cheshire.
P88. January 1 1883 - Admitted Elizabeth Rainbow. The names of Esther [Silby] and Eli Rainbow taken from the Register - deceased.
P89. February 1st - Commenced new Register, old ones being filled. - February 2 - Children of John Harris absent from school this week on account of an infectious disease being in the house. - February 5 - Admitted Elizabeth Rainbow. - February 20 - the names of Joseph, Henry and Elizabeth Harris taken from the Register as their parents have left the Parish.
P91. February 27 - Admitted Florence Martin. March 2 - Miss Shackleton has resigned her charge of the Infants today. March 5 - A new Assistant has been engaged for the Infants from the Mixed school at Campton - Mary Parrett. March 9 - George Knight has been transferred from the Infants room having attained the age of 7 years.
P92 - March 13 - Received Inspection Report - The school has improved very much in all aspects. The discipline is good, the more elementary work is well done and there is a some knowledge of grammar and geography, though as yet not enough ?. School staff, Alice Mary Fielder - Head Teacher, Maria Boufield- Assistant, Mary Parrott - Assistant.
P93. March 24 - Alice Mary Fielder resigned the charge of this school. April 2 - Mary Jane Heaford commenced duties as 2nd class certificated mistress of the school. April 3 - Letter received by the Rev J H Howlett from the Education Department stating that Mary Parrott has been entered in their Lordships Register as an Assistant Teacher.
P94. April 9 - Received a parcel of new slates. April 16 - Received new Arithmetic cards. April 17 - Received 1 dozen new slates for the Infants. April 24 - Letter received from Education Department that Mary Jane Heaford is duly acknowledged as certificated Teacher in this school.
P95. May 1 - Holiday given today being the Marriage day of the late Mistress.
P97. July 12 - Visit by Rector and Miss Clara Howlett who gave the children each a slice of currant cake. August 3 - School visited by Mrs and Mr Whitbread.
P99. September 1883 - many children away gleaning.
P101. November 5 - George and Alfred Bland returned to school after an absence of eleven weeks. November 12 - William Bland returned to school after an absence of eleven weeks.
P103. December 17 - Admitted two boys from Shefford having been dismissed from the Board School Shefford School. December 21 - All the children presented with Buns and Apples.
P104. Summary of Diocesan Inspectors Report received November 5th 1883 - The examination on the whole was very satisfactory and showed considerable pains have been bestowed upon their instruction. The answering, however, was somewhat unequal. Some doing very well, others little or nothing and the proportion of failures in the written work of Standards II and III was rather large. Singing very fair, Tone good. School reported 'Good'. Augustus Stokes, Diocesan Inspector.
P106. January 28 1884 - Received a New Easel and Blackboard. February 5 - Received 2 new desks.
P109. March 6 - Summary of Inspectors Report - The school is in very fair condition though hardly perhaps as good as last year. There has been a change of Teacher and an increase of scholars. The Infants seem at present the best feature. J H Howlett, Manager Mary Jane Heaford - Head Teacher, Maria Boufield - Assistant, Mary Parrott - Assistant.
P114- July 25 - A Half holiday given this afternoon on account of the 'School Treat'.
P115 August 8 - Fanny Lawrence engaged as Monitress, the school being without an Assistant Mistress, Miss Boufield having resigned her charge on the 8 August.
P117. October 13 - Annie and Willie Adams returned to St Neots.
P119. November 14 - Summary of Diocesan Inspectors Report. The examination was very satisfactory. The answering was much more evenly good than it has yet been. The written work was very satisfactory except that of Standard IV which was rather passable than good. Prayers for home use were known by most in Division 2nd but by some only in Division 1st. Singing good, tone very good. The school is reported 'Excellent' - August Stokes Diocesan Inspector.
P120. December 1st - A new Assistant Mistress commenced duties.
P121. December 19 -School visited by Misses Howlett and Rector who presented each child with a bun.
P125. February 25 1885 - A new Monitress engaged and Commences duties today. Fanny Lawrence.
P126. March 2nd - Summary of H M Inspectors Report - Mixed school. There is good order in the school and the children do their elementary work with accuracy. In the Arithmetic of the first class and in the Grammar some little weakness is observable. Singing by note has not yet been sufficiently mastered for a grant. Infants Class - The infants continue satisfactorily taught. The average attendance has risen above the limit of the capacity of the school premises. Unless these be enlarged, the whole Grant will be endangered if the average attendance is again allowed to exceed 125 (Article 96 c.a.). J H HOwlett, School Manager.
March 19 - School closed from Thursday evening on account of the Schoolroom being wanted for a Dinner to be given to the Candidates for Confirmation.
P133. October 9 - School closed from the 9 October until the 19th on account of the Head Mistress being unable to attend.
P135. December 23 - Misses Howlett gave each child a bun and apples before being dismissed for the Christmas vacation. January 11 1886 - Weather severe and many children absent with Measles.
P137. January 18 - Weather very severe indeed and all the Infants at home with Measles except ten or twelve. January 25 to 8 February, School closed on account of Measles, chiefly among the Infants.
P140. March 29 - Closed in afternoon, the room being required for the use of Missionary Service.
P141. April 7 - Copy of H M Inspector Report - The tone and Discipline are very satisfactory and the reuslts of the examination are on the whole good. The fourth standard are weak in arithmetic. Infants class - the Infants class has been well taught. F E Hulett is recognised as qualified to serve under Article 84. Grant £94.14.0 School Staff - Mary Jane Heaford - Head Teacher, Mary Parrott - Assistant, Fanny E Hulett- Assistant. JH Howlett Correspondent of Manager.
P145. July 19 - Fanny Lawrence the Principal Monitress gone to London to reside and Clara Harwood now the only Monitress who is only 12 years old.
P146. September 27 - Reopened school, Several children away with 'Fever'
P147. October 1 - Alice Frances engaged as Assistant Mistress of the Infants in the room of Miss Mary Parrott on 27 September 1886. October 4 - Several more children ill with 'Fever'. October 8 - the boys who are 'half timers' are not returned to school at present. October 11 - more children absent through the Fever being in their families.
P150 November 22 - Diocesan Report - The examination was very satisfactory both in Viva Voce and Written work. In the 2nd and 3rd Divisions the results were at once very even and very good. There was more clearness in the 1st Division but some of the children were rather young for the quantity of work taken up. Home Prayers have been well attended too. Singing good, Tone good, The school is reported 'Excellent' August Stokes Diocesan Inspector.
P151. December 18 - Mary Jane Heaford resigned the Charge of the school.
P152. January 3 1887 - Alice Kate Kittridge commenced duties as Mistress (2nd CLass Certificate) of the school.
P157. March 8 - Copy of J H Report - Mixed School - The children continue in good order and have again passed a creditable examination. Mental Arithmetic is the weakest subject. Infants Class - The Infants class has been well taught by Miss Francis. A little more variety in the work, is however, desirable if the highest merit mark is to be continued. F E Hulett is continued under Article 84. Grant £92.11.4 Scholl staff - Alice Kate Kittridge, Fanny E Hulett - (Asst Ar 84), Alice Francis (Asst Ex P T) J H Howlett, Sole Manager.
P162. May 13 - Caned 5 boys for staying away from school yesterday afternoon, without a good reason.
P163. Punished Walter Harris severely for stealing two pence belonging to a girl in the Third Standard. June 16 - Several children absent due to 'Whooping cough.
P164 June 21 and 22 - Holiday on account of Jubilee Celebrations.
P165 - July 22 - boys stay away in the afternoon as they have to go a long way with dinners.
P166 October 7 - E Peck left school to go to service.
P167 - November 25 - Several children away with Mumps.
P168 - December 5 - Received the Report from the Diocesan Inspector - The Children have been carefully and kindly taught and passed on the whole an excellent examination both in Viva Voce and written work. The answering in the 3rd Division was perhaps hardly as good as usual, but the attendance of the childrren has been interfered with by sickness. Home prayers were very generally known. Singing very fair. Tone very good The school is reported as Excellent - Augustus Stokes Diocesan Inspector.
p170. January 9 - Amos Cakebread and Florence Pettifar as well as several others are away through illness. January 11 - Amos Cakebread died today after being absent from school less than a week.
P171. February 8 - William Ansell away ill as well as Agnes Cakebread both fifth Std children. February 13 - Sarah Millard absent on account of chilled feet.
P172. February 28 - Retained William King in the Fourth Standard for another year as he is very dull and he has failed two following years in Reading.
P174. March 2 - School visited by Mr Miller Attendance Officer and by D Bryer Medical Officer of Health. March 7 - Copy of Government Report - Mixed School - A Good tone prevails in this little school. The first, Second and Third Standards passed well both in elementary subjects and in English, the upper standards did fairley. Attention should be paid to Reading, Writing and Grammar of the Elder Children. Needlework is good and singing is successfully taught from notes. Infants Class - The Infants are carefully and successfully taught but the hightest merit Grant is recommeded with some hesitation. F E Hulett is continued under Article 84. Average Attendance for the year. 97 - Grant £83.14.0 School Staff - Alice Kate Kittridge, Fanny E Hulett (Asst Art 84) Alice Francis (Asst Ex PT) J H Howlett Manager.
P177 - July 6 Ellen Ibbott left shcool.
P178 -July 16 to 20 - Attendance low - children pea picking. July 27 - gave half holiday on account of all the Teachers wishing to be away.
November 23 - A vist without notice by J Fishwick for HMI found the boys offices are in a very dirty state.
P181. December 14. Received copy of Diocesan Inspectors report - The children have been very carefully taught and passed a very good examination. The answering in the 1st Division, however, was not as good as it was last year. The 2nd and 3rd Division did very well. The written work on the whole was very creditably done, Home Prayers were known by almost all. Singing good, Tone very good. The school is reported 'Very good' Augustus Stokes Diocesan Inspector.
P192. October 1 1889 - Half time children have returned to school excepting Arthur Dilley (who has severely injured his right hand in a machine) and Reuben Bland who is still at work.
P199 - February 21 1890 - Government Inspectors Report - copy - Mixed School - The school continues in good condition. Infant Class - The infants have been carefully and successfully taught, and, as last year, the good merit grant is well deserved. Percentage of passes 87, Average Attendance 91, Grant £74.9.9. School Staff - Alice Kate Kittridge (Head Teacher), Fanny E Howlett (Assistant Art 84) Alice Francis (Assistant Ex P J ). J H Howlett Manger.
P206 October 20 - Arthur Harris, who during the harvest holidays injured his right eye, and who has been in the Hitchin Infirmary, returned to school this morning.
P207 December 8 - Diocesan Inspectors Report - copy - The school is in admirable order and the Religious Instructions is very satisfactory. The written work was very well done, and the answering was very good in the 1st and 3rd Divisions. In the 2nd Division the answering was creditable, though rather wanting in brightness and intelligence. Home Prayers were well known. Collective Repetition of Holy Scripture good, Singing good. On the whole I have no hesitation in reporting the school 'Excellent' Augustus S Stokes, Diocesan Inspector.
P211 March 4 1891 - Admitted Arthur and Clara Rainbow, who have come to reside in the village. Although they are 9 and 6 years old respectively they have never attended school before having lived nearly 3 miles from a school They must therefore, be placed amongst the Infants. It seems likely also that William Simons, Ernest Cakebread and Herbert Dilley will be retained in the Infant Class as they are very backward and very dull. Herbert Dilley is very irregular on account of delicacy.
P217. June 16 - Miss Francis, who is out of health, has 3 weeks leave of absence, that she may go to the seaside. School carried on with Clara Harwood taking the Infants.
P220. September 28 - No school Fees taken, our school having accepted the conditions of the Elementary Education Act 1891.
P229-230. March 18 1882 - HMI report - .....In consequence of the HMI explanation, my Lords have paid the grant, although Drrawing has not been taught in the school, But endeavours should be made to teach it in future (see enclosed Circular 30). C Harwood is recognised under Arthicle 68. School Staff Alice Kate Kittridge (Cert Teacher) Alice Francis (Assistant Ex P J) Clara Harwood (Asst Art 68) J H Howlett Sole Manager.
P232. April 1 - Robert Dilley who will be 13 years old before the 6 month half time has expired has left school. Sydney Pettifore, Edward Knight, John Dean, Fred Millard and Fred Addington are all gone to work. Fred Cakebread and Daniel Wiggins and Harriet Adams have left school.
P237. July 27 - Half holiday given in the afternoon in consequence of the G F S Festival at which all the teachers wished to be present.
P254. March 13 1893 - George, Mary and Ellen Tysome having left the Parish have left this school.
P257. June 6 - William Simons was kept in without his dinner for playing truant yesterday. June 12 - Alice and Laura Redman are suffering from Scarlet Fever. Alfred Seymour has left this school and attends the Shefford Board School.
P259. July 6 - In honour of the Royal Wedding, a whole holiday was given and a school treat took place at the Rectory in the afternoon.
P270 February 27 1894 - Mary Elms (monitress) has left school and Clara Cakebread has been appointed in her place.
P271 March 5 - Miss C Howlett (at the close of morning scholl) gave prizes consisting of tyos etc to all children who had made 400 attendances during the past year.
P276. April 23 - In accordance with Article 126 of the New Code there will be 10 minutes recreation in the afternoon.
P282. October 15 - In readiness for the winter season, the school stove has been fitted with a long pipe which, it is hoped will warm the room as effectually as a larger stove (as ordered by HMI). The present stove has not been long in use and a larger one would make the existing difficulty (scorching the near children) even greater than at present.
P284 November 8 - Received my Certificate of Qualification to earn Grants on the Teaching of Drawing in Elementary Schools from the Science and Art Department today.
P301. October 14 1895 - Mary Tysome, who left the school March 20 1893, returned to school this morning. For part of the time she has been attending Shefford Board School, but since February last, she has not been to school at all. She has now returned on account of compulsion, owing to her father through an accident, being in receipt of Parish relief.
P303. November 12 Owing to the fire brick in the stove having broken up rather suddenly, we are obliged to do without a fire for a day or two while the stove is being repaired.
P305. December 6 - Holiday given in the afternoon to allow teachers and children to attend a special service in Church on the occasion of the dedication of a new stained window.
P307 December 30 - Owing to the continued prevalence of Measles the school is to be closed for three or four weeks by Medical order. January 20 1896 - School opened with good atendance. Once infant boy, Robert Birley has died during the time the school was closed.
P317. May 5 - The School closed (afternoon) on account of the Funeral of The Rev J H Howlett.
P318 May 25-29 - Whitsuntide Holiday during which round windows were put in.
P336. June 18 1887 - Closed School for the Jubilee week. June 29 - Dr Prior, Medical Officer of Health called to inquire about sanitary matters and health of the children.
P337. August 6 - Clara Harwood Additional Teacher (Article 68) resigned her post this afternoon.
P338. September 13 -Mary Brittain commenced her duties as Additional Teacher in the place of Clara Harwood.
P342. November 28 - Received from the Education Department a notice that a grant of £15 has been made in accordance with Section I (4) of the Voluntary Schools Act. This is made for the purpose of 1) Increase of staff, 2) Increase of Salary of Staff, 3) Furniture and Apparatus. John Smallpeice.
P340. March 25 1898 - Rev E N Wanklynn visited and gave out the club money to the 88 children who had paid in during the year.
P357. January 2 1899 - A notice has been received from the Education Departent, stating that a grant has been made (£15) in accordance with Section I (4) of the Voluntary School Act. This grant is made for the purpose of 1) Increasing salary of Additional Teacher (£5) and Monitor (£2.16.6) providing furniture, books and desk £3.5.6 and effecting repairs £3.18.0). L Smallpeice Prof J S.
P365. March 15 - HMI Report - copy - Mixed School - Drill Recitation and Sewing are very good, the teaching is careful and thorough, and the written exercises are so neat and the higher grant is recommended, though the Reading of the boys admits of improvement. The Class subjects are very fair, and the answering is more spirited and general, but the Geography of the third standard is weak, and the first second and third standards form too large a group for effective instruction in Object lessons. The higher grant for discipline in many respects well deserved is recommended with hesitation owing to the dirty condition of the boys offices, and the singing of the lower division must improve. The curtain before the large south window is too small. Infants Class - Discipline and Sewing are very good, Drill, Singing and Recitation are praiseworthy and the children have been taught as usual with great care and with creditable success, though the Object lessons still admit of improvment. Kinder garten desks on half the gallery would be very useful. The children under seven years of age should probably be larger. Your attention is requested to the small print of Article 73 of the Code H. M. Inpector reports that the class taught by the 'Teacher under Article 68 of the Code is habitually too large. The defects in the premisses noticed by the Inspector be removed (Art 85a) Improvement will be looked for to ensure the continuance of the higher rates of Grant for Singing and Geography. M. Brittain is continued under Article 68. Mixed School Av 65, Infants' Class Av 36, Total Grant £94.11.3 School Staff - Alice Kate Kittridge (Cert) Av 50, Alice Francis (Ex P J ) Av 45, Mary Brittain (Artical 68) Av 39, Amy Bygrave (Temporary Monitor) Av 20. L Smallpeice, Manager.
P368, March 30 - Miss Brittain left school this morning, her place will be filled after the holiday. April 17 - Miss Roberts commenced her duties in the place of Miss Britain.
P373. September 11 and 15 - There having been a death from Diptheria at the Brick yard, it is advised by the doctor that no children attend from there for a fortnight.
P 374. October 9 - 15 - Owing to Head Teachers father serious illness, it was decided to clase the school for a week. This involves the postponement of the monthly examination in all standards.
P389. May 15 - Infant Class closed under medical authority. outbreak of Measels. May 23 1900 - Received the news of the death of our Rector the Rev. J Smallpeice.
P393. October 5 - Miss Roberts left this afternoon having obtained an appointment under the Luton Board. October 12 - No Assistant appointed yet. Annie Harwood (Std VIII) acting as a Tempoarary Monitor for Standard I and Eleanor Kittridge is taking Standard III.
P394. October 29 - Miss E Ayton Commenced her duties as a Assistant (Art 68) this morning. She has been P J in an Infant School and therefore, knows nothing of Standrad work.
P397. January 22 1901 - Death of Her Majesty the Queen, January 24 Proclamation fo His Majestry King Edward VII.
P401. 26 - I showed class 1 how to fill up the Census papers.
P402 - HMI Report - .............. Summary - E H Ayton is recognised under Article 68 of the Code, but must improve greatly especially in powers of discipline to ensure continued recognition. Mixed School Av 64, Infant Class Av 32, Total Grant £89.2.6 School Staff Alice K Kittridge (Cert), Alice Francis Ex PJ, Ellen H Ayton Art 68 - R Sherwwood.
P413. Feb 24 1902 - HMI Report - Mixed School - The discipline and tone are good. There is masked improvement in the boys reading and much of the work gives evidence of steady conscientious teaching. Arithmetic, however, needs attention, the Object lessons should improve. The North windows should have transparent glass and the South Window needs effective Blinds. The woodwork, of both rooms requires repainting and the low wall in front of the school should be repaired. Infant Class - The instruction of this division is sound and effective and the teacher deserves high praise for its officiency. The discipline is very good. The West window should be glazed with clear glass and all the windows should be provided with effective blinds. The wood work and skirtings require repainting. E H Ayton is continued under Article 68 of the Code but must improve to ensure continued recognition. Av 62, Infant Class Av 34 - Total Grant £97.0.2. School Staff Alice K Kittridge, Cert, Alice Francis Ex P.J, Ellen H Ayton Art 68. Signed R Sherwood.
P418. May 29 - Exceedingly low attendance caused by great many children attending some sports at the Yeomanry Camp at Silsoe. It was thought advisable by the Manager to close the school. June 2 - Received news of the Proclamation of Peace.
P419. June 25, 26, 27 - Holiday in honour of the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
P420. August 9 - Coronation Day.
P427 March 6 1903 Amy Bygrave having obtained a situation under Art 68 left this afternoon, as well as E M Kittridge. March 9 - Annie Harwood and Annie Lawrence commenced work as Monitors this morning.
P428. - Childrens club money paid out, amounting, with the bonus, to over £42.
P429. April 27 - I have had a notice from C E Winchworth Esq. that Annie Harwood and James Tysome are both suffering from Scarlet Fever. This neccesitates the absence of four children beside those affected.
P430 MThe school was this morning, visited by Thistleton Mark Esq. of Owens College, Manchester, accompanied by F Spooner Esq. Organising Secretary of the Technical Instruction Committee of Beds County Council.
P435. December 14 - Received the Report of the Diocesan Inspection, The Rev W D Williams. The school was reported 'Excellent'. January 4 1904 - Abliged to close the Infant Department,epidemic of whooping cough, under Medical Authority. There were but 12 present out of the 40, and of these, two obviously had the complaint.
P436. January 25 - The Infant assembled this morning 17 present out of 40.
P438. March 1904 - Copy of HM Inspectors Report - Mixed School - The children work diligently, and as a rule well. In the teaching of Arithmetic there is some lack of intelligence. The playground requires levelling and gravelling, the offices, which are close to the school, should be earth closets or on the pail system. The ventilation of the Cloakroom is blocked and in the school rooms needs improvement, the woodwork requires repainting and the north window should be filled with clear glass, the old rickety desks should be superseded, new books are required in several classes and a cupboard for books and materials should be provided. A classroom is much needed. Infants Class - Division is taught with intelligence and praiseworth sucess. Non of the Teachers appear to be engaged under written agreements. I am to referupi tp Artoc;e 71 of the Provisional Code. The defects of the premises noticed in H M Inspections report should be removed. School Staff - Alice K Kittridge (Certificated) Alice Francis (Ex P J ), Ellen H Ayton (Art 68). Average (Mixed Dept) 64.2. Infants 34.5 Total Grant earned - R Sherwood Correspondant.
P444. October 14 - Annie Lawrence gave notice of her wish to leave school on October 3, (Monitor for Std I). October 24 - Annie Harwood (Monitor for Std II) gave notice of her wish to leave school on October 31. October 31 Minnie Peck commenced work with Stds I and II today, being removed from the Infants room. Ellen Knight appointed Monitoress there.
P447 - By a regrettable mistake on the part of the caretaker, the syllabus and record books for Standards I, II, IV, VI and VII have been torn up and partically destroyed during the holiday.
P448. Jauary 23 - Received the Schedule of names of the children who sat for Labour Certificates on the 14, all of them have passed (seven) in Standard V, but only two are qualified by age to leave school.
P449. March 7 - H M Inspectors Report - Copy Mixed School - The children are in good order and are carefully taught. The walls of the offices need whitewashing and the broken stove in the Infants room, should, if possible, be replaced by an open fire place.
P456. October 2 - School visited by C G Colson Esq. the Director of Education, the Surveyor, and two school Managers to discuss the ventilation question.
P461. January 30 1906 - School closed this morning owing to Head Teachers fathers death. It will probably re open on Monday Feb 5 when she shall perhaps be abesent for a few days, with the knowledge an dconsent of the Managers.
P462 - School closed for a fortnight, by the order of Dr Prior, the Medical Officer of Health.
P463. April 9 - Minnie Peck, Supplementary teacher for Class III has given notice to leave. This notice will take effect on May 1.
P464. April 30 - Maggie Parsons, aged 15 takes Minni Peck place as Monitress. May 1 - the Babies class was taken by the teacher (E Knight) to see the sheep and lambs following on a lesson the the sheep.
P466. May 25 - Prizes for proficiency and the Medals and Certificates for Attendance were given out by Mrs Sherwood. The Rector was present and addressed the children. The money allowed by the County Council was added to, by the Rector and Mrs Sherwood, so that more books prizes could be given.
P467. June 26 - Class I were taken for a Nature Observation walk in the fields. There returned with their hands full of specimens of flowers and plants, many of which we found in our Botanical books.
P478. March 14 1907 - Frank Dilley absent from school on account of his defective eyesight. I have applied to the Director of Education for spectacles for him.
P481. April 23 - St George's Day, Mrs Sherwood presented the school with a Union Jack. which was afterwards put up in the School room After the presentation, the children sang 'God save the King'
P484. August 6 - Owing to Head Teachers continued illness, the Managers decided to close the school now, in stead of the 16 as previously arranged. The second Periodical examination must be unavoidably be omitted.
P498. November 16 1908 - Received Copy of Report by H M Inspection C G Colson Esq. - Mixed Department and Infants class - The Order scholars are in excellent order and are making progress in most branches of their work. The Infants class is throughout particularly well taught and its condition reflects much credit upon the teachers. The children are very bright and have made excellent progress those of the first class will leave throughly well prepared to join the older scholars. Signed R Sherwood, Manager.