"Growing into all God wants us to be"

Matthew 13: verses 31-32 underpins our vision: The parable of the Mustard Seed.

Prayer and reflection are important parts of daily life at Speldhurst. Through collective worship, classroom reflection and opportunities for quiet thought, pupils are encouraged to pause, consider their feelings and think carefully about the world around them.

Each classroom has a reflection display that is updated throughout the school week. During end-of-day reflection time, children are given the opportunity to add their own thoughts and reflections to the display. These contributions are then used to shape an end-of-day prayer that is personal to each class. Children are invited to join in with the prayer or to use the time for further quiet reflection.

Across the school, children also have access to dedicated prayer and reflection spaces where they can take part in activities linked to our Christian vision: “Growing into all God wants us to be.” These areas provide opportunities for pupils to reflect on Bible verses, respond creatively and consider how the teachings of Jesus can guide their own journey of growth and discovery.

Our approach to spirituality develops as children move through the school. From Reception to Year 3, pupils use the Wow, Ow, Now model. Wow encourages them to notice moments of wonder, Ow helps them to recognise difficult feelings and experiences, and Now invites them to think about how they might respond.

In Years 4, 5 and 6, pupils build on this through the windows, mirrors and doors model. Windows encourage them to look out at the world with curiosity and wonder. Mirrors give them time to reflect on their own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Doors invite them to consider how they might respond and make a positive difference.

Our Outside Reflection and Prayer Area

Our outdoor reflection area was created in partnership with members of St Mary’s Church and the local community. We are extremely grateful for the time, care and financial support they have given to help create this wonderful space for our pupils.

Our Leading Lights take responsibility for the area and run daily sessions so that children can enjoy some quiet time during the school day. They offer a range of calm, craft-based activities which encourage pupils to pause, reflect and make use of this special space.

Prayer Space

There are moments in a school’s rhythm when something deeper than routine quietly unfolds moments where stillness replaces noise, and reflection gently takes the place of activity. The Prayer Space at Speldhurst School, created in partnership with volunteers from St Mary's Church and parents, is one of those rare and meaningful experiences.

Held every Monday lunchtime from 12pm to 1pm, the Prayer Space offers a regular opportunity for children to step out of the business of the day and into a calm, reflective environment. Having been running in its present format for three and a half years, it has become a well-established and valued part of school life, with its gentle rhythm now familiar to many pupils.

Each week, the themes for the Prayer Space are thoughtfully shaped using the collective worship planning from the Diocese of Rochester, providing a gentle structure and continuity that links reflection, spirituality, and the wider Christian calendar.

The space itself is simple yet thoughtfully prepared. Soft lighting, reflective prompts, and carefully designed activities invite each child to pause and engage not in a way that demands, but in a way that welcomes. There is no pressure, no expectation only an open invitation to think, to wonder, and to express what often goes unspoken in the business of school life.

Volunteers from St Mary’s bring warmth, patience, and a gentle sense of guidance. Among the regular team are Charlotte, Jo, Kelly, Deviani, Clare, Maria, Polly, Ruth, Stefanie, Tony and Stephanie, whose faithful presence helps to create a space that feels safe, calm and welcoming. They do not lead with answers, but with presence. Their role is not to instruct, but to hold the space allowing children to explore ideas of gratitude, forgiveness, hope, and peace in ways that are personal and meaningful.

What stands out most is how naturally the children respond. Some sit quietly in thought, others write or draw their reflections, and some simply absorb the calm. In those moments, the Prayer Space becomes more than an activity it becomes an experience of being heard, even in silence.

It reminds us all that spirituality in a school setting does not need to be complicated or prescriptive. It can be found in a quiet corner, in a thoughtful question, or in the simple act of giving children the time and permission to reflect.

The collaboration between school, church, and families is a beautiful example of community in action. Each brings something valuable, and together they create a space where children can encounter stillness, explore big questions, and perhaps glimpse something deeper within themselves.

In a world that often moves too quickly, the Prayer Space offers a gentle pause a reminder that even in the heart of a busy school, there is room for reflection, connection, and quiet wonder.

Prayer Group 

Each term, staff, parents and members of St Mary's Church meet to pray for the school community.  The Prayer Group offers the chance to thank God for the school, the teachers and all the parents and children. It is also a chance for us to pray for specific occasions/events at the school, asking for God’s guidance with any pastoral issues that are happening within our school community may that be loss, health-issues, work difficulties, relationship conflict etc. We are here to support our community, our school and each other through prayer.

If you would like to join us, please contact the School Office or Kelly Kyte.