Hatfeild First School, in Lower Morden Lane, Morden, is located on a quiet site with an attractive garden full of trees and flowers, writes Yvonne Gordon.

The school, which becomes a primary in September as part of the re-organisation of Merton's schools, has that rare quality of encouraging a great sense of purpose in its pupils without pressure or too much formality.

Classrooms are bright and spacious and walls are adorned with colourful work.

When I visited, pupils were dressed in their own clothes as a trade-off for bringing something in for the summer fair the following day.

At an achievement assembly about 40 children were clearly chuffed to receive trophies, awards or certificates for their progress.

Headteacher Greg Parker says: "We mount displays because it is a good way of valuing what the children do."

Mr Parker explains that the school puts a lot of emphasis on rewarding and acknowledging achievement.

"Parental involvement is very important because if children are supported by their parents, who are the first educators of children, it works its way through the school," he adds.

"Open evenings are very well attended, which is very encouraging, and lots of parents come and help during the day. There is also a curriculum newsletter to keep parents involved."

A new school building, to be completed this summer, is planned to house classrooms, changing rooms and an ICT suite.

The school is working towards achieving eco-status and is looking at early years provision through the Excellence in Early Learning initiative.

It is also involved in the Healthy Schools Initiative and takes part in the walk to school scheme and the walking and bus scheme, in which parents volunteer to pick up groups of children and walk them to school.

Mr Parker says staff visit children at home before they start at the school's nursery "to make the transition as smooth as possible, which helps them settle more quickly".

There is a wide range of after-school clubs including drama, first aid, keep fit, dance, French and chess.

Year Three pupils go to the New Forest where they do work linked to the history and geography curriculum, as well as orienteering, while Year Four children work with staff from Tate Modern in art and writing.

In a recent maths week, games were devised from a packet of biscuits and weighing out recipes.

Mr Parker adds: "The children are very enthusiastic, confident and happy.

"We try and make everyone feel welcome and cared for and encourage the children to take care of each another."

He reveals he is very happy with his staff who have a "very positive attitude and put a lot of emphasis on planning and encouraging pupils to think for themselves".

Mr Parker even holds occasional social events to keep up staff morale.

Hatfeild has nearly 50 children with English as an additional language and there are about 12 nationalities represented at the primary school.

The tree-lined playground has a shelter which is gradually being built by the children with money raised by sponsored walks and help from a local artist, who is holding a workshop to design mosaics for it.

The school's aspirations are to create an environment in which everyone feels safe, secure and included.

Mr Parker explains that staff at Hatfeild want to work in an environment where "children's voices are heard over the business of life and whose care and education lie at the heart of everything that happens".

Hatfeild First School is a place where everyone listens and is listened to.

No one need ever stop learning and children can start on the road "to achieve their dreams".

July 12, 2002 10:30