At High Halden Church of England Primary School, we are proud to offer a learning environment that blends the charm of our historic setting with the benefits of modern facilities. Our beautiful Victorian building, full of character and warmth, is home to our friendly school office, staff room, and welcoming classrooms for our Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils, where our youngest children begin their educational journey in a caring and nurturing space.

In 2008, we expanded with two bright and spacious new classrooms and a large, light-filled school hall. This modern addition houses our Key Stage 2 pupils and provides a vibrant setting for PE lessons, Collective Worship, performances, and whole-school events. Fully equipped with a touch-screen TV, lighting, and sound system, the hall brings our school community together for everything from celebrations to productions.

In 2022, we repurposed a modular building on our site, allowing us to offer wraparound care for families every day. This spacious, self-contained room includes its own kitchenette, toilets, and direct access to a private outdoor area. In the afternoons, it becomes a calm and friendly space where children can unwind after school – playing games, chatting with friends, or relaxing in a homely atmosphere. During the day, it transforms into a flexible learning hub for small groups, giving pupils the opportunity to work in a focused, supportive environment.

This year, we have also opened a purpose-designed sensory and nurture space  'Fireflies'– a gentle, supportive haven where children can regulate their emotions, take part in targeted interventions, and receive extra care when needed. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a range of sensory resources create a soothing environment where children can pause, reflect, and rebuild their confidence before returning to their learning.

A Google School – Technology That Enhances Learning

We are proud to be a Google School, making full use of Google for Education to prepare children for a digitally connected world. Every child has access to Chromebooks and tablets in school, enabling them to research, collaborate, and create in exciting new ways. This does not replace the use of books, paper, and pencils – far from it. Instead, technology complements and supports learning, giving pupils the best of both worlds.

Through Google for Education, children can:

• Work together in real time on shared documents, presentations, and projects.

• Access their learning from anywhere, helping them to continue and consolidate work at home.

• Use tools like Google Classroom to receive feedback, track progress, and stay organised.

• Develop essential digital literacy skills, from navigating online research to presenting ideas confidently.

By weaving technology into our curriculum, we ensure pupils are confident, responsible users of digital tools while still valuing and mastering traditional skills such as handwriting, reading printed books, and problem-solving on paper.

Our school is set within truly beautiful grounds that provide far more than just space to play. We have two well-maintained playgrounds, a large playing field, and an abundance of gardens that include a wildlife area, peaceful reflection garden, a pond with dipping platforms, and our own allotment. We also have a rustic outdoor teaching area for Forest School sessions, a greenhouse,  and raised planting beds – all designed to enrich our curriculum and inspire a love of the outdoors.

EYFS Outdoor Provision – A Hidden Gem for Our Youngest Learners

Our Reception class benefits from its own large, well-equipped outdoor learning space directly adjoining the classroom. This safe and engaging area is carefully designed to promote creativity, independence, and physical development through a wide variety of activities. Children can explore:

• Large water and sand play for investigation, problem-solving, and early science skills.

• A mud kitchen for messy, sensory fun that inspires imaginative play and language.

• Deconstructed role play and building with crates, planks, and loose parts for designing and constructing.

• Outdoor art stations with easels, chalk walls, and natural materials for creative expression.

• A roadway for bikes and trikes to develop balance, coordination, and road awareness.

• Obstacle courses for building strength, agility, and confidence.

• Forest and nature areas for bug hunts, seasonal walks, and learning about the world around them.

Outdoor learning is woven into our Early Years curriculum, with children moving freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, carrying their ideas with them – whether they are measuring water flows, writing signs for role play, counting natural collections, or telling the stories of their adventures.

Whenever families visit, they are always pleasantly surprised by just how extensive and varied our grounds are – something they rarely expect when they first arrive. This hidden gem is one of our school’s unique strengths and a real point of pride, offering all of our children, from Reception through to Year 6, space, freedom, and a wealth of opportunities to explore, discover, and connect with nature every single day.