Photo 1: Left, Richard Parry (Mayor of Sevenoaks Council’s husband), Cllr Alan Layland (Vice Chairman Sevenoaks Council), Mrs Rachel Parry (Mayor of Sevenoaks Council), Lee Mason Ellis (CEO The Pioneer Academy), Sue Saheed (Head of School) right

Members of the local Sevenoaks area joined the staff, pupils and parents of Halstead Community Primary School at a special open day earlier this month.

Large numbers came along to admire the school’s newly refurbished and redecorated buildings and brand new early years outdoor learning area – which follows a £150,000 investment by The Pioneer Academy.

Amongst the guests were Rachel Parry, Mayor of Sevenoaks Council, and Alan Layland, Vice Chairman of Sevenoaks Council.

Over a barbecue and refreshments, pupils treated guests to a dance performance, sang songs and demonstrated an ‘active’ English lesson – captivating visitors with a virtual reality shark experience, delivered via Virtual Reality Headsets.

Guests were taken on tours of the school and given an opportunity to enjoy the new outdoor learning environment – which includes race tracks, a hideaway den, role-play areas, plants and climbing equipment for physical development. Younger visitors got stuck in, playing in the sand, mud, water and outdoor kitchen.

Sue Saheed, Acting Head of School, Halstead Community Primary School, The Pioneer Academy, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many parents, former parents and members of the local community to our refurbished school. The children love our fabulous new facilities and really enjoyed having the opportunity to show them off and share them with our community.”

The school will be open for tours on 4th July for any families who would like to look around. To book a visit please call 01959 532224 or email office@halstead.kent.sch.uk.