They’re the best days of your life - which schools in Welwyn Hatfield are standing out most in the community?

They’re the best days of your life - which schools in Welwyn Hatfield are standing out most in the community?

The Welwyn Hatfield Times Community Awards recognise ordinary people making extraordinary contributions, and it’s hard to imagine a more lasting impact than that made by schools.

Both Oaklands Primary School in Welwyn and Oak View School in Hatfield have been nominated for the School of the Year award so far.

The award is sponsored by Oaklands College.

Mother-of-two Jennifer Blackett’s children have gone to Oaklands Primary since reception.

She said the teachers “go above and beyond.

“All the children smile when entering the playground and it’s a privilege to have both my children attend.”

Grace, who is in year 6, and Jude in year 3, “love the school,” added Jennifer.

Head teacher Julie Petitt has been at the helm through two “good” Ofsted inspections and pupil numbers have virtually doubled, according to Jennifer.

She is impressed with efforts to involve parents, joining the school’s parents’ assembly on Fridays as well as the parents’ fundraising committee.

Grace loves the forest classroom and her trip with the school choir to sing at the O2 in January. “I like that we get outside learning,” she said. “It’s really good. They also motivate us.”

Over in Hatfield, Year 4 teacher Carole Nash has nominated Oak View School where she works.

She summed up her view by quoting what the pupils said at its last Ofsted inspection: that “they all just fit together”, with a close eye on stopping any bullying.

She believes the good atmosphere is having a great effect on attendance, which is on the rise. “Teachers work there because they want to and children come in smiling each morning followed by happy parents,” said Carole.

Oak View has seen distinct improvements since its “satisfactory” Ofsted report in 2011, being rated as “good” in both 2013 and 2018.

“It’s a wonderful school and is creating wonderful learners of the future,” said Carole.

The WHT Community Awards are your chance to shine a light on the people who are making a difference in your community.

Both primary and secondary schools are eligible for nomination to the School of the Year Awards.

As well as the chance to nominate the schools making a difference, other categories are: Role Model of the Year, Charity Champion, Valiant Volunteer, Good Neighbour Award, Service to the Community, Lifetime Achievement, Carer of the Year, Parent in a Million, and Young Achiever.

Nominate by June 15 at www.whtcommunityawards.co.uk