Change is coming at Platt Church of England Primary School.

Just nine months after the arrival of a new head teacher, Jenna Crittenden, the school, originally established in 1846, is preparing to move to a new building.

Construction will begin on Monday, October 26 and is expected to be finished before the start of the next school year in September 2021.

The new building will be light and airy, with vaulted ceilings and wooden floors and will be further complemented by a new, on-site, forest school.

A large playing field is planned, with an on-site sports hall with independent access so that it can be rented by local community clubs.

In addition the new building will feature a full on-site catering kitchen, a dedicated design and technology room and several communal rooms to allow children to work in groups.

To go with it, Mrs Crittenden is introducing a new curriculum designed to educate and empower Platt’s pupils on 'grown up' issues.

Pupils will be encouraged to develop opinions, arguments and strategies to improve the world they will grow up in.

Whole school projects are also being introduced, designed to encourage respect and responsibility for pupils’ local and global community.

These will include grounds week, community week, with a focus on the school’s elderly neighbours, and charity weeks.

Mrs Crittenden said: “It’s a really exciting time for the school.

"The combination of the new school site and the changes we are making to the curriculum this year, mean our whole school has lots of exciting developments to look forward to."

"I’m really proud to be leading the school and it’s fantastic teaching staff into this new era ."

The school has been on its current site in Maidstone Road, St Mary's Platt, since 1912.

The new school is being built on the other side of the A25 next to the village's Memorial Hall.

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