Latest News

Harvest Festival Collection a Wonderful Success

Wed 21 Oct 2026

Southfield School would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the pupils, families and staff who contributed to this year's Harvest Festival food collection. Thanks to your generosity, we received an incredible donation of food items that will now help support individuals and families within our local community.

The collected food has been donated to our local food bank in Hatfield, whose established community connections will ensure that these essential items are distributed to those who need them most. This partnership helps make certain that the generosity shown by the Southfield community has a meaningful and positive impact close to home.

While the collection has provided practical support for others, the Harvest Festival is about much more than food donations. It offers a valuable opportunity for our pupils to learn about kindness, compassion and social responsibility. Through taking part, pupils have been encouraged to think about the needs of others and understand how even small acts of giving can make a significant difference in someone's life.

This reflects the vision of Southfield School to support all children so they thrive during their time at school and are prepared socially, emotionally and academically for their next steps in education. The Harvest Festival collection provided a real-life opportunity for pupils to develop their understanding of community, empathy and moral responsibility.

The initiative also links closely with several of our school values. Pupils were able to demonstrate a strong sense of right and wrong, understanding the importance of helping others and celebrating the differences and needs within our wider community. The collection further supported our commitment to helping learners participate in their community and develop the confidence and life skills needed to function effectively in society.

Perhaps most importantly, our pupils experienced firsthand the power of collective action. By working together with families, staff, local food bank in Hatfield and local community partners, they saw how communities can come together to support one another. This embodies Southfield's value of working collaboratively with stakeholders to broaden opportunities and create positive outcomes for all.

Thank you once again to everyone who donated. Your generosity has not only helped those facing challenges within our local area but has also helped our pupils learn important values that will stay with them long after the Harvest Festival has ended. Together, we have shown what it means to be part of a caring, supportive and compassionate community.

Southfield School Delighted to Welcome Lynn Chesterman OBE as Governor

Wed 14 Oct 2026

Southfield School is proud and delighted to welcome Lynn Chesterman OBE to our Governing Board.

The appointment of a governor is always significant, but it is particularly exciting when someone of Lynn's experience, dedication and commitment to public service chooses to support our school community. We are deeply grateful that she has accepted this role and look forward to the insight, challenge and encouragement she will bring as we continue striving to provide the very best outcomes for our pupils.

Lynn has spent much of her professional life championing vulnerable children, families and communities. Her career began within social services before she went on to spend more than 30 years in chief executive roles across the voluntary sector, including leading organisations supporting older people and vulnerable children and families. Her outstanding contribution to this work was recognised through the award of an OBE.

Alongside her extensive leadership experience, Lynn has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service within the local community. She has served as a councillor for Lynn Chesterman OBE's local authority and was appointed Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield in 2025, continuing a long record of advocating for local residents, supporting families and championing initiatives that make a positive difference in people's lives.

What makes Lynn's appointment particularly valuable to Southfield is how closely her experience aligns with our vision and values. At Southfield, our vision is to support all children to thrive during their time at school and to be fully prepared socially, emotionally and academically for their next steps in education. This is achieved through recognising every child as an individual, creating a strong safeguarding culture, delivering a curriculum that meets pupils' needs, working collaboratively with families and external partners, and ensuring pupils have the confidence and skills to participate fully in society.

Lynn's professional background reflects many of these same priorities. Her years of work with vulnerable children and families demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of early help, safeguarding and partnership working. Her leadership across the voluntary sector has focused on broadening opportunities, reducing inequalities and ensuring that individuals are valued and supported to achieve their potential. These principles sit at the heart of Southfield's mission and will undoubtedly strengthen the strategic guidance and challenge provided by our governing body.

As a school, we place great importance on ensuring that every learner has a voice, develops confidence and resilience, and is equipped with the skills to navigate their future with independence and self-belief. We know that Lynn's experience of working alongside children, families, community organisations and public services will bring a valuable perspective as we continue to develop opportunities and outcomes for all our pupils.

On behalf of our pupils, families, staff and governors, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lynn Chesterman OBE for taking on this important role. We are honoured that she has chosen to share her expertise with Southfield School and are excited about the positive contribution she will make in the years ahead.

Welcome to Southfield, Lynn. We are delighted to have you as part of our journey and look forward to working together to ensure every child is supported to thrive, succeed and realise their potential.

Why Southfield Has a Librarian: More Than Just Books

Fri 09 Oct 2026

When people think about a school library, they often think about shelves full of books. At Southfield School, however, our library is so much more than that. It is a place where interests are discovered, confidence is nurtured, wellbeing is supported and every pupil is given the opportunity to explore the world in a way that is meaningful to them.

Many parents and carers may not know that Southfield has its own librarian, Jenson. Jenson plays an important role in helping our pupils develop a positive relationship with reading and ensuring that our library remains a welcoming and engaging space for everyone.

At the heart of Southfield's vision is a commitment to valuing every pupil as an individual, and our library reflects this perfectly. We know that every child has different interests, passions and ways of learning. That is why pupils are encouraged to have a voice in the books and resources we provide. If there is a particular author, subject or topic that they would like to explore, they can speak to their teacher or complete a pupil voice request for Jenson. By listening to our pupils and responding to their interests, we help them feel valued, heard and involved in shaping their own learning experience.

Reading opens doors to new experiences, ideas and opportunities. Through books, pupils can travel to different countries, learn about the natural world, discover inspiring people and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. For many of our learners, books provide a safe and accessible way to explore the wider world whilst developing important communication and literacy skills.

The benefits of reading extend far beyond education. A good book can help children understand emotions, develop empathy, build resilience and find moments of calm in busy days. This aligns closely with Southfield's commitment to creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where every pupil can flourish. Sometimes a favourite story can be just as important as a lesson, providing comfort, reassurance and a sense of belonging.

Our library also supports one of our key goals as a school: developing confident, independent learners. Whether pupils are choosing a book for pleasure, researching a topic that interests them or sharing stories with their peers, they are developing curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning. These experiences help pupils build the confidence to explore new ideas and recognise that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

Perhaps most importantly, the library embodies the belief that every child deserves opportunities to succeed. By making reading accessible, enjoyable and relevant to our pupils' lives, Jenson helps ensure that every learner has the chance to engage with books in a way that works for them. It is not simply about improving reading skills; it is about helping children discover their interests, find their voice and build the confidence to engage with the world around them.

At Southfield, we are incredibly proud to have a dedicated librarian and a thriving library space. Through the work of Jenson and the enthusiasm of our pupils, the library continues to be a place where curiosity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated and new possibilities begin with the turn of a page.

Southfield Receives Prestigious Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition & Quality

Thu 08 Oct 2026

Southfield School is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition & Quality, an accolade that celebrates schools demonstrating an exceptional commitment to music education and ensuring every child has access to meaningful musical opportunities.

What makes this achievement even more significant is that Southfield is currently the only Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Hertfordshire to receive this recognition, highlighting the school's unwavering belief that music should be accessible, inclusive and transformational for every learner.

The award has been presented in recognition of the value Southfield places on music throughout school life. In their award notification, Hertfordshire Music Service praised the school's commitment to music and its contribution towards a shared vision of high-quality music education for all children and young people.

This recognition comes from Music Mark, the UK's Association for Music Education, which champions and supports access to music for every child and young person. Through its work, Music Mark advocates for high-quality musical experiences that deliver both educational and social benefits, helping young people develop confidence, creativity, communication skills and a sense of belonging.

For Southfield, this award represents far more than musical achievement. It recognises the profound role music plays in helping our pupils communicate, connect and thrive.

As a specialist SEN school, we understand that every child learns differently. Music provides opportunities that transcend traditional barriers to learning and communication. For some pupils, music becomes a voice when spoken language is difficult. For others, it provides a pathway to confidence, emotional regulation, social interaction and self-expression.

Music is embedded throughout life at Southfield. It enriches learning across the curriculum, supports emotional wellbeing, encourages creativity and provides meaningful opportunities for collaboration and achievement. Whether through classroom activities, performances, choir, instrumental experiences or creative exploration, music helps our pupils discover their strengths and celebrate their individuality. Our approach has always been based on a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence and connection that music can bring.

This philosophy has already seen Southfield recognised as one of Hertfordshire's Lead Schools for Music, and receiving the Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition & Quality further validates the innovative and inclusive work taking place across the school. Together, these achievements demonstrate that high-quality music education can flourish within specialist settings and that children with additional needs should have the same opportunities to participate, perform and excel as their peers.

The award also reinforces Southfield's growing role as a centre of excellence for inclusive practice. We are passionate about sharing our expertise with other schools, supporting colleagues across the county and helping to shape educational approaches that place accessibility, belonging and opportunity at their heart.

Most importantly, this recognition belongs to our entire school community. It reflects the enthusiasm of our pupils, the support of our families and the dedication of staff who work tirelessly to create opportunities for every child to shine.

Being the only SEN school in Hertfordshire to receive this accolade sends a powerful message. Additional needs should never limit ambition, creativity or achievement.

At Southfield, we believe music has the power to unlock potential, build confidence and bring people together. This award celebrates what has already been achieved, but it also inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, raising expectations and creating even more opportunities for our pupils and the wider community.

Because at Southfield, music isn't simply something we teach.

It's something we live.

Celebrating Poetry at Southfield

Thu 01 Oct 2026

As a school that celebrates every child's voice, National Poetry Day is a wonderful opportunity to explore the power of words, imagination and self-expression. Today, our pupils and staff have been enjoying poetry together, with teachers sharing their favourite poems and even putting pen to paper to create some of their own.

One of the highlights has been a special poem written by our Headteacher, Angela O'Rourke called "Superhero Mission", which encourages children to recognise the everyday superpowers they already possess: kindness, honesty, friendship, perseverance and caring for others. Through playful language and memorable characters, the poem reminds us that ordinary children can achieve extraordinary things.

For many of our pupils, poetry offers far more than rhyme and rhythm. It provides a creative and accessible way to communicate thoughts, feelings and experiences. Poetry can help develop vocabulary, listening skills, confidence and emotional literacy, while giving children the freedom to express themselves in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful.

At Southfield, we know that communication comes in many forms. Poetry encourages curiosity, imagination and connection, helping pupils explore language while building self-esteem and understanding of the world around them.

Whether reading, listening, performing or creating poems of their own, children can discover that every voice has value and every idea deserves to be heard. Today has been a celebration of creativity, kindness and self-expression, and a reminder that sometimes the smallest words can make the biggest difference.

Happy National Poetry Day from everyone at Southfield!

National NonSpeaking/Nonverbal Awareness Day: Every Voice Matters

Wed 30 Sep 2026

Today, 30 September, we recognise National NonSpeaking/Nonverbal Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the experiences, strengths and communication needs of individuals who are nonspeaking or nonverbal. The day highlights the importance of understanding, inclusion and ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and support they need to communicate effectively.

At Southfield School, this awareness day holds particular significance. As a specialist school supporting children and young people with a wide range of communication needs, we see every day that communication is about far more than spoken words.

Our pupils communicate in many different ways. Some use speech, while others use Makaton, communication boards, symbols, gestures, eye gaze technology, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, facial expressions, movement and behaviour to express their thoughts, feelings and choices. Each form of communication or in some cases a combination is equally valid and equally important.

National NonSpeaking/Nonverbal Awareness Day also provides an opportunity to challenge misconceptions. Being unable to communicate through spoken language does not mean an individual has nothing to say. Many nonspeaking people communicate rich ideas, emotions, preferences and personalities through alternative methods, and it is our responsibility as educators, families and communities to ensure those voices are heard.

Awareness days such as these help to build understanding not only within schools but across communities throughout the UK. By increasing awareness of different communication methods and promoting greater accessibility, we can help create a society where everyone feels included, respected and valued.

At Southfield, we remain committed to creating an environment where every child can communicate with confidence, develop meaningful relationships and have their voice recognised. Today is a reminder that communication takes many forms, and that every voice deserves to be heard, whether spoken or not.

Because communication is not defined by words alone. It is defined by connection, understanding and being listened to.

Celebrating National Teaching Assistant Day

Fri 25 Sep 2026

Today, on National Teaching Assistant Day, we take a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible Teaching Assistants who make such a difference at Southfield School.

While there may be a designated day to acknowledge their contribution, the truth is that there isn't a single day when we aren't grateful for the outstanding people who support our pupils and staff. Their dedication, compassion and professionalism are woven into every success story, every breakthrough moment and every smile we see across our school.

Teaching Assistants are at the heart of what makes Southfield such a special place. They bring patience when challenges arise, encouragement when confidence needs building, and understanding when pupils need someone who truly believes in them. They are adaptable, resilient and endlessly caring, meeting each pupil where they are and helping them take the next step on their journey.

The best Teaching Assistants possess a unique combination of qualities. They are empathetic listeners, positive role models, creative problem-solvers and unwavering advocates for the children and young people they support. They celebrate every achievement, no matter how small it may seem, and help pupils discover strengths they may not yet see in themselves.

At Southfield, we are fortunate to have a team of Teaching Assistants who embody these qualities every day. Their commitment plays a vital role in the continued success of our school and in creating an environment where pupils feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

Most importantly, they help make Southfield a place filled with joy. It is a privilege to be part of our pupils' journeys, and our Teaching Assistants are instrumental in making those journeys successful, meaningful and memorable.

We thank our SENCO Team for arranging such a wonderful spread, and to all of our Teaching Assistants: thank you for your kindness, your dedication, your expertise and your belief in every pupil. Today we celebrate you, but our appreciation extends far beyond a single day.

Happy National Teaching Assistant Day!

Making Waves at Southfield: Building Skills for Life Through Swimming

Thu 24 Sep 2026

At Southfield School, swimming is about so much more than learning to move through water. It is an opportunity for our pupils to build confidence, develop resilience and gain an important life skill that will benefit them both now and in the future.

Each swimming session encourages pupils to step outside their comfort zones, try something new and celebrate personal achievements. Whether it is entering the pool with confidence, learning a new stroke or simply becoming more comfortable in the water, every success helps to develop self-belief and independence.

Swimming also supports physical wellbeing by improving strength, coordination, balance and stamina. For many of our pupils, being in the water can provide valuable opportunities for relaxation, sensory regulation and increased confidence in movement.

Just as importantly, swimming helps prepare pupils for life beyond Southfield. Water safety is an essential life skill, and the confidence developed in the pool can open doors to future leisure activities, community participation and greater independence in adulthood.

Swimming forms part of a wider enrichment programme at Southfield designed to prepare pupils for the future. Alongside activities such as Forest School, equine therapy, trampolining, creative arts and mini golf, swimming helps pupils develop the skills, attitudes and confidence needed to navigate the world beyond education.

These experiences reflect our commitment to developing the qualities at the heart of our vision and values: helping pupils become ready for new challenges, respectful of others and responsible for their own growth and development. Southfield School's vision emphasises preparing young people for their futures through a combination of academic, personal and enriching opportunities.

At Southfield, we believe in having tomorrow in mind, today. Every length swum, every challenge overcome and every new skill learned contributes to building the confidence, resilience and independence that will support our pupils long after they leave our school.

Because learning to swim is not just about what happens in the pool, it's about building foundations for a fulfilling and successful future.

Equine Therapy Journey Begins for Another Group of Southfield Pupils

Wed 23 Sep 2026

There were smiles, determination and some truly heartwarming moments this week as another group of Southfield pupils began their equine therapy programme at Digswell RDA.

Although this was only the first session, pupils impressed staff with their confidence, resilience and willingness to embrace a new challenge. For many, simply mounting a horse is a significant achievement, but our pupils quickly demonstrated just how capable they are when given the right support and encouragement.

As part of the session, pupils were introduced to key riding skills, including posture, balance and positioning in the saddle. Through a combination of expert guidance from the Digswell RDA team and support from Southfield staff, pupils learnt how good posture helps them communicate effectively with their horse while developing core strength, coordination and body awareness.

One of the most inspiring moments came as pupils progressed from initially riding while holding on with one hand to confidently extending both arms out straight while the horse was moving. Supported safely by multiple members of staff walking alongside them, pupils showed tremendous trust and confidence as they challenged themselves to try something completely new.

These activities may look simple from the outside, but they represent much more than learning to ride. Equine therapy provides opportunities to build self-confidence, develop emotional regulation, improve communication skills and foster independence. The relationship between rider and horse creates a unique environment where pupils can grow socially, physically and emotionally while enjoying an experience that is both therapeutic and rewarding.

At Southfield, opportunities such as equine therapy form part of our wider commitment to providing meaningful experiences that support every aspect of a child's development. Alongside specialist classroom learning, pupils take part in a wide range of enriching activities including art lessons, swimming, PE, Forest School, outdoor learning, life skills programmes and many other experiences designed to help them develop confidence, resilience and independence for the future.

We are incredibly proud of how positively this new group approached their first session and look forward to sharing more of their progress in the weeks ahead. If week one is anything to go by, we can expect many more memorable moments as pupils continue their equine therapy journey.

For more information about the programme and the benefits of equine therapy, please visit our previous article: Equine Therapy Success at Digswell RDA

More Than Golf: Brocket Hall Visits Southfield to Develop Skills On and Off the Course

Tue 22 Sep 2026

Southfield School was delighted to welcome guests from Brocket Hall to spend time with our pupils on our unique adventure golf course, offering expert guidance, encouragement and plenty of opportunities for learning along the way.

The course itself holds a special place within our school community. Built as part of the pioneering GOLFA initiative, Southfield became the first school in the UK to open an adventure golf course designed specifically to support learning, development and engagement through sport. This innovative space continues to provide our pupils with meaningful opportunities to grow in confidence, build relationships and develop skills that extend far beyond the game itself.

During their visit, the team from Brocket Hall introduced pupils to the fundamentals of golf, helping them learn how to hold a putter correctly, judge distance, control the strength of their shots and navigate the challenges presented by the course. For many pupils, it was an exciting opportunity to learn directly from individuals with a wealth of golfing knowledge and experience.

However, the day's learning extended far beyond putting a golf ball into a hole.

As pupils made their way around the course, they were encouraged to work together, take turns and support one another. Teamwork quickly became a key feature of the session, with pupils celebrating successes, offering words of encouragement and demonstrating patience as their peers took their shots. These social interactions are an important part of developing communication skills, confidence and positive relationships.

The session also provided valuable opportunities to learn and practise the basic rules of golf. Understanding fair play, respecting others, waiting appropriately and following instructions all play an important role in the game and mirror many of the skills pupils need in everyday life.

Mathematics naturally found its way onto the course too. Pupils used scorecards to record their progress, count strokes and compare scores as they moved between holes. This practical application of numeracy helped bring learning to life, showing how counting, recording information and problem-solving can be used in real-world situations.

Beyond these areas, pupils were also developing a range of additional skills throughout the experience. Concentration and focus were needed to line up shots accurately. Resilience was demonstrated when things did not go as planned and pupils were encouraged to try again. Decision-making skills came into play as pupils considered the best route to the hole, while hand-eye coordination and fine motor control were continually being refined with every putt.

Perhaps most importantly, the session provided an opportunity for pupils to experience success, build self-belief and enjoy being active in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the team from Brocket Hall for taking the time to visit Southfield and share their expertise with our pupils. Their enthusiasm, encouragement and positive engagement helped create an enjoyable learning experience that combined sport, education and personal development in equal measure.

We look forward to welcoming them back in the future as we continue to make the most of a facility that is helping our pupils learn valuable life skills one putt at a time.