OAKFIELD Primary and Nursery School is the new kid on the block when it comes to local schools

Oakfield opened last September in Caldy Close, the site of the old Gibbonsdown school, with head teacher Julia Williams at the helm.

The opening followed major changes at the site, which included the launch of Welsh medium primary Ysgol Gwaun-y-Nant next door.

Oakfield has 228 pupils from nursery to Year 6, with eight teachers, two special needs teachers, seven NNEBs and support staff. Its catchment area stretches from Gibbonsdown to Pencoedtre and new estates near the Lidl store.

The name was chosen after the governors' chairman, Cllr Maurice Nugent, revealed there used to be oak trees on the site, so various names with the word 'oak' were considered.

Julia Williams said: "Oakfield was the one voted for, so we had a logo designed, an oak leaf. We kept the school colours but reversed them so royal blue was the main colour instead of jade."

Since the opening, staff and children have been extremely busy. Every Thursday and Friday, special assemblies are held to celebrate good work and behaviour. When a youngster has been honoured six times, they get a book.

Staff and pupils are currently working on a millennium garden project with themed areas. Mrs Williams said: "We're developing several areas including early years, friendship, active ball, nature and adventure play. We're looking for funding for each section.

Turners the Builders have sponsored the friendship garden and have provided steps and stepping stones."

The school also has a 'healthy school' project, encouraging games such as skipping and hopping. It has also started a good food tuck shop.

The busy youngsters also find time for lunch-time clubs, with half of the juniors involved.

Mrs Williams said: "Lunchtime for all schools is a difficult time, when incidents of bullying can happen in the playground. Rather than have after-school clubs, staff have given 30 minutes before the end of lunchtime to teach kids in a lunchtime club.

"We've got all sorts running, with a choir, art, Welsh, gardening, Eco club (litter and developing gardens), computers, cookery, French, dance, basketball, netball, football and science.

"We also have games including chess, monopoly and draughts. These develop literacy and numeracy skills."

She added: "These clubs are very popular.

"We've got two choirs, as they're so busy. Over Christmas, they went to sing at local OAP homes. We've also got a Schoolwatch, where members promote sensible playground behaviour and watch out for the little ones."

Meanwhile the infants use play equipment such as bikes and trikes. And lessons and clubs are not just for the pupils.

She said: "We run family literacy and numeracy lessons, for parents to go along to. We're also looking at funding for the school to be a community resource. We are investigating funding for a playscheme for the summer."

For pupils, school is not just about lessons and clubs. Many were involved in the last Urdd Eisteddfod's Vale of Glamorgan heats. In the reciting sections, they came first, second and third in the Under-8s, first in the Under-10s and second and third in the Under-12s. After that, the event was cancelled, but they are planning to be involved in the next one.

Youngsters are involved in outside activities, such as the annual Sherman Theatre Schools Dance Competition. They also do fund-raising, recently helping the British Heart Foundation in a 'Jump Rope for the Heart' event.

Pupils are also offered residential trips. Year 6 youngsters go to Atlantic College, while Year 4 and 5 children go to Llangrannog.

Mrs Williams paid tribute to her staff, the governors and local businesses for support.

Contact Oakfield on 01446 744606.