A BIG change is on the horizon for a Redditch school as staff and pupils prepare to become a primary school in September.
After two years of hard work from the school leadership team and governors, a brand new school building was unveiled at Astwood Bank First School last weekend, celebrated with a summer fete.
Last Saturday (June 24) staff, children and parents gathered for the official opening of the new teaching block, which has six additional classrooms for Years 4, 5 and 6 children.
Head teacher Mrs Deborah Yarnold, said: “We already had government permission to change our age range, but in our original consultation the governors and staff were clear that we needed to build modern, permanent classrooms to support outstanding primary education for our children.
“We have had overwhelming support from our parents and local community, which has been very important in securing the funding from government.
“We are very excited to keep our children to the end of Key Stage 2 and look forward to becoming a primary school in September.”
The celebratory fete at the grand opening included bouncy castles, pony rides, archery and even a Prosecco bar for the adults. With donations and contributions the event raised more than £3,000 of funding for the school.
Mrs Yarnold added: “We would like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful PTA for organising everything and to all the volunteers who helped out.
“It was a fantastic day. We feel extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful, supportive community.”
The change from First School the Primary will mean that children currently at the school in Year 3 will have the opportunity to stay to the end of Key Stage 2, up to Year 6.
Visit http://www.astwoodbank.worcs.sch.uk to find out more.
