Teaching Assistant

Midfield Primary School is a Good school with Outstanding features (Ofsted Report - November 2010)  The school is situated in St. Paul's Cray in the northeastern corner of the London Borough of Bromley.  The catchment area is mainly residential, comprising houses, flats, and maisonettes.  Most of these were originally built by local authorities but are now in most cases owner-occupied.  The population of the local community spans the whole age-range.  Serving this community there are three small shopping centres, three churches, a library, clinic, doctors' centre, community hall, residential and day-care facilities for senior citizens and many clubs for children of all ages.  There are extensive open spaces, including the woodland and fields of historic Scadbury Park, which is adjacent to the school.  Most pupils live within walking distance of the school, which is, however, well served by buses from Orpington, Sidcup and St. Mary Cray BR station.  There is easy access from the M25, M2, M20 and A20 and parking on site.

The school, which opened in 1951, moved into the permanent buildings in 1953.  It is set in a large, attractive site surrounded by playing fields and grassed areas with many trees and flowerbeds.  Inside, the accommodation is spacious.  There are sixteen classrooms on two floors, mostly facing south with views across the playing fields.  There are two halls.  The larger is used for assembly, PE and school events, the other for school lunches. The school has a Nursery, a purpose-built, modern library and a multi-station computer suite.  In addition there is a general-purpose room incorporating an up-to-date food-technology area that is used for music, drama, circle work, television, technology, etc.  Staff have a well resourced room for planning, preparation and assessment in addition to a comfortable rest and relaxation area.  There are two large playgrounds and an open-air, heated swimming pool, complete with indoor changing rooms and shower facilities.  The administration block consists of the Head Teacher's room, Deputy Head Teacher’s office, general office, and a well-equipped staff room.

In addition to the 230 or so mainstream pupils (1-form entry), Midfield’s Nursery caters for 52 part-time children and the Special Opportunities Unit (SOU) comprises two classes for up to 16 children with complex communication difficulties (mainly autism).  The children in the unit are integrated as much as is expedient with those in the mainstream school. 

The school prides itself on its positive and caring ethos, paying special attention to the social and emotional well being of children and staff, thus ensuring that everyone is happy and supported to be their best.  A strong emphasis is placed on Literacy and Numeracy and encouragement is given to sport and the expressive arts in particular.  The teachers organise many lunch time and after school activities and on occasions, at weekends.  The school enjoys excellent support from the parents, many of whom work voluntarily alongside the teaching staff on a regular basis.  The Governors take an active and supportive role in the life of the school.