Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Sports Day 2026

  Wed 17 Jun 2026

  Southfield School Celebrates Two-Day Sports Day Success

   

  Southfield School hosted a vibrant two-day Sports Day event, bringing together pupils, families, and staff in a celebration of participation, achievement, and inclusive learning.

   

  The event, held across two sunny days, was widely praised as a “truly fabulous” occasion, where every child was encouraged to take part and shine in their own way. Unlike traditional competitive sports events, Southfield’s Sports Day placed a strong emphasis on inclusion, confidence-building, and personal achievement, ensuring that every pupil felt valued and supported.

   

  From the outset, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Parents and carers played a key role, offering enthusiastic encouragement and celebrating each child’s efforts, regardless of outcome. Their unwavering support created a positive and uplifting environment where pupils felt safe to participate, try new activities, and develop essential skills.

   

  At Southfield, Sports Day is not simply a highlight of the school calendar, it was introduced as an integral part of the pupils’ learning experience and has continued to go from strength to strength. For many of the school’s pupils, who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), structured physical activity provides a unique and impactful opportunity for development.

   

  Throughout the event, pupils engaged in a wide variety of  sports and activities designed to promote motor skills and coordination. These activities allowed children to improve balance, strength, and control of movement in a way that was both enjoyable and accessible. Staff carefully structured each session to ensure that every pupil could participate meaningfully, with tailored support where needed.

   

  Beyond the physical benefits, Sports Day also had a significant impact on pupils’ emotional and psychological wellbeing.

   

  The joy of taking part in activities, combined with the encouragement from peers, staff, and family members, helped to boost self-esteem and reduce anxiety. For many pupils, it provided a safe and positive outlet for expressing energy and emotions, contributing to a more confident approach both on and off the field.

   

  The event also fostered social development and inclusion, as pupils were supported to interact, cooperate, and communicate with one another. Through teamwork and shared experiences, many pupils strengthened friendships and developed important social skills in a nurturing environment.

   

  For children who may find social interaction challenging, such opportunities are invaluable in reducing feelings of isolation and building a sense of belonging.

   

  In addition, Sports Day contributed to cognitive and academic development. Research shows that physical activity supports improved concentration, memory, and classroom behaviour. By integrating sport into the learning experience, Southfield School continues to reinforce the connection between physical wellbeing and academic success.

   

  Activities were carefully planned, and staff provided tailored guidance to ensure that all pupils could fully access and benefit from the experience. This commitment to inclusivity reflects the school’s ethos of enabling every child to reach their full potential.

   

  As the two-day event came to a close, it was clear that Sports Day had achieved far more than simply encouraging physical activity. It brought the school community together, celebrated individual progress, and reinforced the importance of inclusive education.

   

  For Southfield School, Sports Day is not just an event, it is a powerful demonstration of how learning, wellbeing, and enjoyment can come together to support every pupil’s journey.

  

• Music for Autism's Derek Paravicini visits Southfield

  Tue 16 Jun 2026

  Southfield School was delighted to welcome back Music for Autism, who have previously attended the school, for a truly uplifting musical experience. The children were treated to a live performance by the remarkable Derek Paravicini, who has absolute pitch and can play any piece of music after hearing it once! The pupils were therefore serenaded with music spanning a wide range of genres.

   

  The session was highly interactive, with pupils given the opportunity to request their favourite songs. This personalised approach created a wonderful atmosphere of engagement and excitement, and it was especially heart‑warming to hear many of the children singing along with joy and confidence. The shared experience filled the room with smiles, laughter and a genuine sense of connection.

   

  For pupils at Southfield School, hearing music in a social setting brings many important benefits. Live music supports communication, emotional expression and social interaction, while also helping pupils feel calm, regulated and included. Group musical experiences encourage turn‑taking, listening skills and shared attention, all of which are key areas of ongoing development for children with SEND.

   

  The visit was not only an enjoyable event but also a meaningful learning opportunity, demonstrating the powerful role music can play in supporting wellbeing, confidence and social development. Southfield School is grateful to Music for Autism and Derek Paravicini for creating such a memorable and enriching experience for the children.

  

• Presidents Day 2026- A hit with Jays class

  Fri 12 Jun 2026

  As part of Southfield School’s annual Presidents’ Day celebrations, the Jays class enjoyed a rewarding and fun day. The day offered pupils the chance to take part in a range of inclusive sporting activities in a supportive and well-structured environment.

   

  The children participated in table tennis, basketball and trampolining, developing their physical coordination, balance and confidence. Time on the bouncy castles added to the excitement and encouraged turn-taking, patience and shared enjoyment with peers. Even when a rainstorm arrived, pupils showed resilience and flexibility, continuing to engage positively with the day’s activities.

   

  For pupils at Southfield School, experiences like this are an important part of their ongoing development. Taking learning beyond the classroom helps support communication skills, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence. Physical activities also play a vital role in supporting sensory needs and overall wellbeing.

   

  While the Presidents’ Day visit was great fun for the Jays, it was also a meaningful educational experience, carefully designed to support each child’s individual needs and help them build skills that will benefit them both in school and beyond.

• National Numeracy Day 2026

  Fri 22 May 2026

  On Thursday we marked National Numeracy Day, and the school hall was buzzing with excitement. Children enjoyed a fantastic Happy Puzzle maths workshop, tackling puzzles, challenges, and activities as teams. The best part was watching children and staff come together, sharing ideas and solving problems with real joy!

  

• Bhaktivedanta Manor Visit

  Wed 20 May 2026

  On Monday, Woodpeckers had an amazing RE education offsite visit to Hare Krishna Temple Watford at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Woodpeckers experienced a cow and cart ride, feeding the cows carrots, visiting the miniature cows, walking the path through the gardens,  played in the amazing playground, explored stories and dressing in traditional hindu clothing and participating in music in the shrine at the temple. We also ate amazing food including paneer curry, rice and naan breads, where we had to ate on the floor and take our shoes off to show respect. Woodpecker had a busy, fun filled day. 

   

  

• Official Opening of Our Forest School

  Tue 19 May 2026

  On Friday 15 May 2026, we were delighted to celebrate the official opening of our new Forest School area — an exciting development that will provide our children with valuable outdoor learning experiences for many years to come.

  We were honoured to welcome Lynn Chesterman and Andrew Lewin, who officially opened the Forest School and joined pupils, staff, governors, and members of the wider school community for this special occasion.

  The development of this area has been made possible thanks to the generosity and support of Philip Trim and his charity. We are extremely grateful for their donation, which helped us raise the necessary funds to transform this piece of land into a wonderful outdoor learning environment for our children.

  Our sincere thanks also go to the many special dignitaries and guests who gave up their time to make the opening such a memorable event. We were pleased to welcome Governors Peter Hebden, Gareth Brisbin and Paul Horsely, together with Carole Bennett, CEO of HFL, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services, and Hilary Clifford, as well as members of Friends of Southfield.

  The Forest School will provide opportunities for pupils to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world through hands-on outdoor learning.

  Thank you to everyone who has supported this exciting project and helped make this vision a reality for our school community.

  

• Lazy Salsa Sunday!

  Tue 19 May 2026

  We are delighted to share that Lazy Salsa Sunday have been fundraising in support of Southfield FOSS and recently presented Jackie and Cheryl with a fantastic cheque for £3,200 to contribute towards our minibus fundraiser.

  Lazy Salsa Sunday is a non-profit group dedicated to supporting local charities, hosting fun-filled afternoons of salsa dancing to fundraiser. 

  We are incredibly grateful that Lazy Salsa Sunday chose us as one of their beneficiaries. Cheryl and Jackie thoroughly enjoyed taking part and even picked up a few salsa moves along the way!

  Our sincere thanks go to everyone involved for their generosity and support.

  

• Sharing afternoons at Southfield

  Thu 14 May 2026

  We were delighted to hold our final Sharing Afternoons of the year, this week and welcome parents and carers into school to celebrate the children’s learning. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time in the classrooms, see the progress the children have made, and explore the work they have been so proud of. Parents and Carers even got to spend time in our new onsite forest school.

  Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make these sessions so special.

  

• A Truly Special Honour at Buckingham Palace

  Mon 11 May 2026

  We are delighted to share that Angela O’Rourke, Headteacher, was nominated by the Department for Education to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education.

  The event took place on Friday 8 May 2026 and brought together guests from across the country who have made a significant impact within their communities and professions.

  The occasion was made even more memorable by the attendance of members of the Royal Family, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, along with Zara Tindall.

  Angela was accompanied by her perfect companion, Sarah Lettis, Director of Operations, making the day an especially memorable and joyful occasion to share together.

  This prestigious invitation was a wonderful recognition of dedication, commitment and service to education, and we were incredibly proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

   

  

• The Importance of Singing and Choir at Southfield

  Mon 11 May 2026

  The Importance of Singing and Choir at Southfield School

  Singing and choir participation can play a transformative role in Special Educational Needs schools, offering far more than musical development alone. For many pupils with additional needs, singing provides an inclusive, accessible, and joyful way to communicate, connect, and grow.

  One of the greatest strengths of singing is its accessibility. Every child has a voice, and singing allows pupils of all abilities to take part at their own level, whether through vocalising, signing, using communication aids, or simply listening and responding. At Southfield, this shared experience removes barriers to participation and helps pupils feel valued and included, regardless of their academic or physical challenges.

  Choir and group singing supports communication and language development. Repetition of lyrics, rhythm, and rhyme can help reinforce vocabulary, speech patterns, and memory. For pupils with speech and language difficulties, singing can reduce anxiety around verbal communication, as melody often makes words easier to access and express. For some non-verbal pupils, singing may encourage vocal sounds or responses that might not otherwise occur.

  Emotionally, singing has a powerful impact on wellbeing. Music can regulate mood, reduce stress, and provide a safe outlet for emotions. It is quite common for our pupils to experience heightened anxiety or sensory overload, so structured singing sessions can create a sense of calm, routine, and predictability.

  Our choir builds connection and teamwork. Pupils learn to listen to one another, take turns, and work towards a shared goal. These skills are particularly valuable as some can find social interaction challenging. Being part of a choir encourages a sense of belonging and collective identity, helping pupils feel part of something bigger. It also fosters joy and a sense of achievement, boosting confidence and self-esteem when pupils succeed together.

  Finally, singing offers opportunities for celebration and visibility. Performances, whether informal assemblies or community events such as the Hatfield House Picnic, allow our pupils to showcase their abilities and strengths. This not only empowers the pupils themselves but also helps challenge misconceptions about our children, showing their creativity, talent and individuality.

  For us, singing and choir are not just musical activities; they are powerful tools for communication, inclusion, emotional wellbeing, and community. Through song, pupils can find their voices in every sense of the word.