Last updated at 17:01, Tuesday, 08 January 2013

A VILLAGE school has welcomed its first intake of nursery children.

Three smiling youngsters joined Newton School’s new nursery yesterday on its opening day.

The small rural school now offers nursery provision for three and four-year-olds, alongside reception and infant pupils.

Two more nursery children were starting today and another three will join after Easter.

There is a strong family connection for the new pupils.

New starter Daisy Fell, four, joins her five-year-old brother, Joseph, her cousin and fellow nursery pupil, Tyler Fisher – and also her mum Lisa Fell, who is the Class One teacher.

Deryn Bradshaw, three, has an eight-year-old brother, Korben, in the school, Courtney Crowe, four, joins her seven-year-old brother, Charlie Crowe and Emily Hornby, three, also has an older sibling in school, Jessica Hornby, five.

Newton School, which now has 44 full-time and five part-time pupils, has for years wanted a nursery to attract more pupils.

Deryn and Korben’s mum Kayleigh Wharton, 27, of Dalton said: “I’m really glad Newton School has opened a nursery.

“Deryn has been so excited and has been telling everyone ‘I’m going to Newton’ and she has been asking Korben ‘where do we play? and ‘where do we have our snacks?’

“I love this school. They have brought out the best in Korben and we hope they will do the same for Deryn.

“They know Korben on a personal level and it’s very friendly.

“I want my children to be at the same school, and my daughter Eedi, who is one, will also be coming here.”

Headteacher Gina Brierley said: “We have been trying to do this for over three years and everyone has worked tirelessly, I’m very proud.

“This is excellent for the future of the school. We are giving parents the opportunity for their children to attend a village school in an urban area.”

One new teaching assistant position has been created and there are still four nursery places available at the school.

First published at 16:49, Tuesday, 08 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk