Once upon a time Glaisdale School in Arundel Road was owned by Edith Hayter, but back then it was a large house. Ms Hayter moved on in the 60s and left the property to a trust which eventually turned the house into a school.

Now the school is still run by a trust and Glaisdale has a unique feel to it. Walk around the school and there's an air of the new, like things have changed of late. And they have the new head teacher Lyn Rose took up her post just one month ago but has worked as a teacher in the school for 10 years.

The school rates good, old-fashioned family values as its main strength. "Because this is a small school, we do have a special family atmosphere and every member of staff knows every child by name," Ms Rose explained. "Staff here are dedicated to giving the children the skills to be independent thinkers.

"When they leave us, we are always complimented on how mature and intelligent they are."

With an intake of children from aged two and a half right up to 11 years old, the school offers one of the best chances in Sutton to get a head start before senior school exams.

Extra curricular activities are some of the school's biggest advantages. There is a judo club which is run by an ex-Olympic judo competitor, a football club and even a native French class. All children enjoy swimming during the summer at a local pool and netball is the sport for the winter.

The top three things Glaisdale boasts, according to the head teacher, are: "The dedicated team of people that I have working here, that's everyone from the guy that trims the hedge to the girls in the kitchen. We all act like one big team.

"We spot difficulties with children's progress quickly and act on those problems effectively.

"And overall we have such a happy, family atmosphere that the children learn lots. Unhappy children will not learn or benefit from going to school."

Glaisdale will hold an open day at the end of January. For more information, call the school on 020 8288 1488.

December 14, 2001 15:30