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The theme of this film is the close links that Meadow Farm Primary School has with the community of Chaddesden in Derby, and the school's policy of involving parents in a hands-on capacity with the education of their children.
A caption introduces Jean Pollard whose son, Matthew, attends Meadow Farm. In an interview she describes being terrified of teachers during her own time at school. She has overcome these fears and prejudices to become involved with the school.
A caption then introduces the school's headteacher, John Bird, who in an interview and voice over sets out his policy of community involvement.
We see establishing shots of the school and shots of the children in the playground.
John Bird is seen in the playground, in his office and also teaching. His voice over describes his background, which is unusual in that he is a former coal miner.
Next we see an unnamed male teacher who is with pre-school children in the play group. The school has a policy of introducing new children to school before they start full time. Parents, including Jean Pollard, are also seen helping out with activities. Mrs Pollard again admits to being uneasy with her involvement with a school and doubts her abilities when compared to a qualified teacher.
Next we see the children outside school being taught about litter by a community policeman.
Then we see the children eating school dinners alongside elderly local people who are able to attend the school canteen for a luncheon club. We also see an old man entertaining and interacting with the children.
The radical teaching ideas on offer at the school are touched upon when we see an example of 'circle time' in which a group of older children sit in a circle and talk in-turn about what they'd like to see in the community.
We next meet an (unnamed) photographer who is working on a project with the children on the theme of weddings.
Several professional teachers are then seen at the school and in voice overs they describe their work.
Jean Pollard is next seen at home teaching her son to read. She has been given guidelines by the school to enable her to mark him and the comments are passed back to his teacher.
To help parents in home teaching a group are then seen visiting the school learning about reading techniques.
A series of school activities are then seen: sports lessons; a dance class; drama lessons; and a young band perform to the assembly.
Finally we hear voice overs from the children themselves which mainly concern their worries in having to leave Meadow Farm to attend Spondon School where they are concerned that they will be bullied.
Camera - Bob Bolt
Sound Recordist - John Marshall
Dubbing Mixer - Robin Ward
Production Assistant - Linda Baxter
Film Editor - Tim Horrocks
Associate Producer - Sharon Goode
Executive Producer - Brian Lewis
Director - Graham Moore
Central Television production number 8044/87.
This film was shot during the summer of 1986.