Deputy Headteacher

Downfield is a successful school. In December 2005, OFSTED rated it as good with several outstanding features. The school is popular with parents and pupils, the children are very enthusiastic and look forward to coming to school. The staff are dedicated and excellent practitioners. Downfield teaches children of all abilities; it is particularly renowned for its SEN provision including its Speech and Language Base.

The school benefits from having spacious buildings and extensive school grounds, with plenty of play areas and a wildlife area. Classrooms within the school are newly furnished, bright and well resourced. We provide a high level of ICT equipment across the school, including a suite of 32 workstations, interactive whiteboards in all classrooms and laptops for all teachers.

The school has enthusiastically embraced the extended schools agenda with many activities organised for pupils and families. Downfield also has good links with local secondary schools and makes use of local facilities such as the Sailing Base within the Lea Valley Park, swimming pool and public library.

Downfield School is situated within walking distance of Cheshunt mainline station and is five minutes drive from the A10 and M25. 

THE SCHOOL - ITS HISTORY, FACILITIES AND ORGANISATION 

Downfield JMI School was formed in 1983 on the amalgamation of the Downfield Infant and Junior Schools. It is a Community School maintained by Hertfordshire County Council. 

The school has excellent facilities including a Speech and Language Base, eleven spacious classrooms, a large assembly hall, which is also well equipped for P.E., a computer suite with 30 computers, a library, a well equipped resource room, a music room and food technology room. Meals are cooked on the premises and served in the dining hall. 

The Pre-school, Nursery and Reception class are self-contained and have a secure outside play area. These play areas have recently been extended. All children have access to playground areas and fields and there is a large conservation area with enclosed pond on site. 

THE SCHOOL AIMS 

1. To raise standards of achievement for all pupils; to provide a well planned curriculum, to ensure each child’s learning experiences are sufficiently stimulating and challenging; to monitor attainment through regular assessment.

2. To develop lively, enquiring minds so that children are prepared to ask questions and seek answers. To encourage children to make judgements based on evidence and not prejudice.

3. To develop a proficiency in the tools necessary for learning in numeracy, literacy and information skills.

4. To develop the physical and intellectual skills necessary for self-expression and creativity and to develop aesthetic sensitivity to nature and the arts.

5. To be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. To develop tolerance through knowledge and understanding of similarities and differences between people, social organisations, ways of life and opinions.

6. To build confidence through a caring, secure community, which values the contribution of all. To make children aware of the world around them and of the changing character of society and human experience. To enrich their social, moral, cultural and spiritual development.

7. To present all knowledge as a unity and relevant to the child’s experience.

8. To make all children feel welcomed and valued, and to provide equal opportunities for all.