Latest News

A Gift That Inspires - AGMS Foundation Visits Southfield

Fri 17 Jul 2026

Southfield School was delighted to welcome Sunita and Karam from the AGMS Foundation, who visited the school to present an incredible donation of educational, sensory and creative resources for our pupils.

Their visit was met with great excitement, and pupils were thrilled to see the wide range of new equipment that will support learning, communication, creativity and play throughout the school. The generous donation included STEM construction sets, sensory boards, therapy putty, educational games, puzzles, building bricks, vehicle play sets, art and craft materials, modelling clay, paint sticks, colouring resources and many other carefully chosen items designed to meet the diverse needs of our learners.

These resources will make a lasting difference to the educational experiences of our pupils. Construction and STEM activities will develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, while sensory resources will support emotional regulation, concentration and fine motor development. Creative materials will encourage self-expression, imagination and communication, and the wide selection of games and puzzles will provide valuable opportunities for social interaction, turn-taking and teamwork.

At Southfield School, we are committed to providing meaningful learning experiences that enable every pupil to achieve their potential. The resources donated by the AGMS Foundation will help us continue to create exciting learning environments where pupils can explore, discover and build confidence in their own abilities. Whether pupils are developing their fine motor skills, engaging in sensory exploration, practising communication skills or learning alongside their peers, these resources will support them every step of the way.

The donation also reflects many of the values that underpin life at Southfield. Pupils will have opportunities to be ready to learn through engaging and motivating activities, respectful as they share and work alongside others, and responsible when caring for and using the new resources. Through these experiences, they will continue to develop the skills, confidence and independence that are so important both in school and beyond.

Most importantly, the visit from Sunita and Karam showed our pupils that members of the wider community believe in them and are invested in their success. Their kindness and generosity will benefit not only our current pupils but many future Southfield learners as well.

On behalf of everyone at Southfield School, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Sunita and Karam and the AGMS Foundation for their outstanding support. Their thoughtful donation will have a positive impact on our pupils for years to come, helping to inspire curiosity, creativity, communication and enjoyment in learning.

Thank you for your generosity, your kindness and for helping our pupils to continue learning, growing and thriving. We are incredibly grateful for your support.

Swans Class Enjoy a Wild Adventure at Shepreth Wildlife Park

Thu 16 Jul 2026

Swans Class recently enjoyed a fantastic visit to Shepreth Wildlife Park, where pupils had the opportunity to discover a wide range of animals and learn more about the natural world. The excitement was clear to see from the moment they arrived, and the day was filled with curiosity, exploration and memorable experiences.

Throughout the visit, pupils enjoyed observing different animals and learning interesting facts about their habitats, behaviours and characteristics. Being able to experience this learning first-hand helped to bring topics to life and encouraged pupils to ask questions, make observations and develop a greater understanding of the world around them.

The trip also provided many valuable opportunities for communication. Pupils enthusiastically shared their thoughts, excitement and discoveries with their friends and staff throughout the day. These natural interactions helped to build confidence and encouraged meaningful conversations in a stimulating and engaging environment.

Visits such as these play an important role in supporting personal and social development. Pupils had the chance to experience new situations, spend time with their peers in another environment and create positive shared memories together. They demonstrated growing independence as they navigated the park, followed routines and engaged with the activities on offer.

At Southfield School, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Enrichment opportunities such as educational visits help pupils develop confidence, curiosity and resilience while providing meaningful real-world experiences. By exploring new environments and engaging with the wider community, pupils can apply their learning in practical ways and develop important skills that support their future development.

We are incredibly proud of the way Swans Class represented the school throughout the visit. Their enthusiasm, positive attitudes and willingness to engage with new experiences made the day a huge success.

It was a wonderful day of discovery, learning and friendship, and one that will undoubtedly remain a special memory for everyone involved.

Equine Therapy Success at Digswell RDA

Wed 15 Jul 2026

Over the summer term, every Friday morning, Gabriel, Harry, Esaa and Milo have been taking part in Equine Therapy sessions at Digswell Place Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Digswell Place is a specialist riding centre that provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to benefit from horse riding and equine-based activities, supporting their health, wellbeing and personal development.

Throughout the term, the boys have shown incredible dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm as they learned how to ride the horses safely and confidently. Each week brought new challenges and opportunities, helping them to develop their skills, build confidence and strengthen their independence. Beyond riding, some of the pupils also became highly skilled at grooming the horses, carefully brushing them and helping with aspects of stable upkeep. These responsibilities allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of animal care while forming trusting relationships with the horses.

Their hard work and commitment did not go unnoticed. At the end of the programme, Gabriel, Harry, Esaa and Milo were each presented with a certificate and a special rosette in recognition of their achievements. These awards celebrated not only the practical skills they had developed but also the determination, resilience and positive attitudes they demonstrated throughout the term.

The impact of Equine Therapy extends far beyond learning to ride. Activities such as horse riding, grooming and caring for animals help pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation, self-confidence and teamwork. The experience encourages pupils to take appropriate responsibility, follow routines and build positive relationships with both adults and animals. These are valuable life skills that support learning both in and out of the classroom.

The programme also reflects Southfield School's vision and values. Through their participation, the pupils demonstrated that they were Ready to embrace new experiences and challenges, Respectful towards the horses, staff and volunteers, and Responsible when caring for the animals and equipment. These experiences help pupils grow as confident learners and active members of the community, embodying the qualities that Southfield School seeks to nurture in every child.

We are incredibly proud of Gabriel, Harry, Esaa and Milo for all they have achieved this term. Their commitment, courage and willingness to try something new have been truly inspiring. Congratulations on your certificates and rosettes, they are very well deserved!

Blackbirds Enjoy Another Fantastic Tennis Session

Wed 08 Jul 2026

Today, Blackbirds Class took part in an exciting tennis lesson with Karl Mills, Head Coach at Potters Bar Tennis Club.

The pupils demonstrated great enthusiasm and determination as they practised a range of tennis skills, including racket control, striking the ball and movement around the court.

Through a variety of fun and engaging activities, the children developed their coordination, concentration and confidence while enjoying the opportunity to be active.

It was wonderful to see pupils challenging themselves, celebrating their successes and encouraging their classmates throughout the session. The lesson provided opportunities not only to develop sporting skills but also to build resilience, teamwork and self-belief.

Today's session forms part of an ongoing series of tennis lessons that Karl has been delivering to pupils, giving children the chance to develop their skills over time under expert coaching. The regular sessions have been a fantastic opportunity for pupils to experience the sport, make progress and enjoy the benefits of physical activity in a positive and supportive environment.

A huge thank you to Karl for another enjoyable and engaging lesson. We look forward to the next session and seeing our pupils continue to grow in confidence both on and off the court.

Gymnastics with Hummingbirds

Tue 07 Jul 2026

Hummingbirds Class enjoyed an exciting visit to the gymnasium today, where pupils took part in a fantastic gymnastics session filled with movement, challenge and achievement.

Throughout the session, the children had the opportunity to develop their gymnastics skills using a variety of specialist equipment. They practised balancing, climbing, jumping and travelling safely, demonstrating excellent focus and determination as they took on new challenges.

Gymnastics provides a wonderful opportunity for pupils to develop strength, coordination, balance and spatial awareness, while also encouraging confidence and resilience. The children embraced every activity with enthusiasm and were proud of the progress they made throughout the session.

It was particularly pleasing to see pupils stepping outside their comfort zones, trying new movements and celebrating their successes. They showed great listening skills, supported one another and demonstrated the positive attitudes that make Hummingbirds Class such a pleasure to work with.

The visit was not only a valuable physical education experience but also helped pupils build self-confidence and independence in a fun and supportive environment.

Giving Every Child a Voice: Angela O’Rourke talks on The Parents' Show

Mon 06 Jul 2026

Angela O’Rourke, Headteacher of Southfield Special Educational Needs School in Hatfield, recently appeared on The Parents’ Show on Mix 92.6, where she shared valuable insights into the school's vision, the support it provides for children and families, and the teaching approaches that help pupils develop confidence and thrive.

During the interview, Angela discussed the core aims of Southfield, a specialist school dedicated to providing a nurturing, inclusive and highly supportive learning environment for children with special educational needs. She explained how the school focuses not only on academic development but also on helping every child build the confidence, independence and life skills needed to achieve their full potential.

A key theme of the conversation was the strong partnership between the school and families. Angela highlighted the importance of providing support to parents as well as children, ensuring that families feel informed, involved and empowered throughout their child’s educational journey. By working closely with parents and carers, Southfield aims to create a consistent and positive support network that extends beyond the classroom.

Angela also spoke about the variety of teaching methods used across the school to meet the individual needs of each pupil. These tailored approaches are designed to encourage engagement, develop communication skills and build self-esteem. By recognising and celebrating each child’s strengths and achievements, staff help pupils gain confidence in their abilities and become active participants in their learning.

The radio appearance provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the school's commitment to creating a positive and enriching educational experience. Through specialist teaching, personalised support and strong family partnerships, Southfield continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs.

Angela’s interview on The Parents’ Show offered listeners a valuable insight into the school's ethos and the dedication of its staff to helping every child succeed, both in school and beyond.

A Magical Summer Solstice Celebration

Fri 03 Jul 2026

On the longest day of the year, families, staff and friends gathered together to enjoy a truly magical Summer Solstice Performance from our talented pupils. The event was a wonderful celebration of music, poetry and creativity, showcasing the confidence, enthusiasm and hard work of the children.

The afternoon began with the Southfield Choir performing Feelings by Rebecca Starling & The Southfield Choir. Their expressive singing immediately captivated the audience and set the tone for a memorable event.

Next, Jays Class took to the stage with their beautiful Summer Poem, sharing thoughtful words that perfectly captured the sights and sounds of the season. They then delighted everyone with their lively performance of the traditional song Over the Deep Blue Sea, sung with enthusiasm and confidence.

The Southfield Choir returned with a powerful rendition of Feeling Good by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. Their impressive vocals and stage presence filled the space with energy and pride, earning warm applause from the audience.

Following this, Blackbirds Class showcased their talents through poetry and performance. They performed The Sound Collector by Roger McGough, bringing the well-loved poem to life with creativity and expression. They then entertained everyone with Splish Splash Splosh! by James Carter, a vibrant and engaging performance that highlighted their excellent teamwork and performance skills.

To conclude the celebration, all pupils came together for the Behaviour Charter Song by Rebecca Starling & The Southfield Choir and the parents even got to join in. This uplifting finale perfectly reflected the values of our school community, an example of the music development plan and brought performers and audience members together in a joyful ending to a very special occasion.

We are incredibly proud of every child who took part. Their confidence, commitment and enthusiasm shone throughout the performance, and they should be immensely proud of what they achieved. Events like these remind us of the power of music, poetry and shared experiences in bringing our school community together.

A huge thank you to our staff, families and supporters who helped make the event such a success. Most importantly, congratulations to all of our performers for creating a wonderful Summer Solstice celebration that will be remembered for a long time to come.

Food and Farming for Blackbirds

Wed 01 Jul 2026

The Blackbirds had a fantastic day at the Hertfordshire County Show Schools Day. The day was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about the important roles of all the people involved in producing our food. For Southfield School pupils, this real-life, hands-on experience is particularly valuable in helping them make meaningful connections between classroom learning and the wider world. The children learnt about the different types of farming machinery and enjoyed a tractor ride, supporting their understanding of how large-scale processes work in a safe and engaging way. From there they got to explore how different grains are grown and turned into the everyday products we see on supermarket shelves, helping to build independence and life skills around food awareness and choices.

The children had an opportunity to grind wheat and see it turn into flour, giving them a concrete, sensory experience of a process they might otherwise only see in pictures. In the butchery tent, the children saw a demonstration showing how sausages are made, which helped develop their understanding of where food comes from and encouraged curiosity about different jobs and skills. They were fascinated when looking at the different eggs made by various birds, from the tiny quail eggs to a giant goose egg, which supported their observational skills and vocabulary development.

There were lots of tasty treats for the children to try, including crispy duck, giving them opportunities to explore new foods and develop confidence in trying different tastes and textures, an important aspect of personal development for many Southfield pupils. The sensory-rich environment of the show, with its sights, sounds and smells, also supported communication, engagement and social interaction skills.

Their firm favourite was watching the sheep show and finishing the day with a refreshing ice cream cone. Experiences like this not only bring learning to life but also support pupils’ social development, confidence in new environments, and understanding of the community around them, aligning closely with Southfield School’s focus on independence, life skills and preparing pupils for the wider world.