As far as schools go, Tolworth Junior is a clean, green, teaching machine, writes David Rankin.

Only last week, two students and co-ordinator Judith Corcoran won a London-wide environmental project and received an award from London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

The children wrote the Tolworth Tidy Times to inform everyone of their work, which included songs and posters about litter, rubbish pick-ups, and co-ordinating with Kingston Council on recycling not to mention the production of recycled paper.

All their work seems to have paid off. Walking around the Douglas Road school there is hardly any litter, even just after break-time.

Freya, 10, who picked up the award on behalf of the school, said: "The award will get us £2,000 for the school to carry on with its environmental work.

"It was nearly all the primary schools in Kingston who got involved so it was very exciting to win. Two of us were actually picked from a hat to go to City Hall and meet Mr Livingstone, so we are feeling quite lucky."

Neighbouring residents have remarked at the improvements, after being interviewed as part of the project.

Headteacher Cathy Clarke believes the school's strength lies in its teaching, teacher support and inclusiveness.

The school enjoys relatively low staff turnover and has several leading teachers who help new teachers from Tolworth Junior and other schools as they embark on a teaching career.

There is a group of volunteers from Age Concern who come in once or twice a week to help out, 13 teacher support staff and a good mix of experienced and new teachers.

Ms Clarke said: "We have some young and some new staff, as well as some established staff. It's a good balance.

"All of them are extremely proud of the school, they are highly skilled and work hard."

Any of the 325 children, aged between seven and 11, who have learning problems, can catch-up with intensive one-to-one sessions which do not take them out of class for long.

There is also an advanced teacher for children who are ahead of the pace.

Ms Clarke added: "They're really nice children. They're really grateful for anything you do for them.

"I can't walk down along a corridor without them saying good morning' or how are you?'"

The school began the next phase of its development last week, and academic results continue their upward trend since Ms Clarke started as headteacher four years ago.

More fundraising has been undertaken to ensure each classroom will have an interactive whiteboard by the end of this term.

The school has a grant for a new hall, which will also be used by the community, from the New Opportunities Fund and the Local Education Authority.

A grant of £80,000, which must be match funded by the school, will also go towards improving teacher accommodation.

Tolworth Junior School has a positive attitude towards teaching and learning. And with more positive changes to come, it will no doubt continue to flourish.