A HALESOWEN primary school has celebrated the opening of its new pre-school which has been five-years in the making.
Our Lady & St Kenelm Catholic School in Bundle Hill opened Little Kenelm’s - its pre-school for 15 children on Friday (September 11).
The school, which opened in 1967, takes pupils from around 18 different educational settings - so it is hoped the pre-school will bring more families under one roof.
Halesowen MP James Morris did the honours and cut the ribbon alongside headteacher Christine Finnegan, chair of governors Peter Johnson and parish priest Father Gerry Lennon.
Mrs Finnegan (pictured above at the opening with James Morris) said: "Our staff and governors have worked really hard over the last five years to make this happen; it is through a shared vision and the support of everyone, that we now have all our families under the same roof.
"Transition from pre-school into class reception over the last few years has been a real struggle for us in school; our intake has previously been for eighteen different settings, bringing many challenges for our staff.
"Therefore, we are hoping that with this new, exciting adventure, we can foster a smoother transition into school, should they meet the school's admissions criteria, when the time comes."
James Morris addressed all the children at the school and toured the new facility before Fr Lennon prayed a special blessing.
James said: "I was delighted to visit Our Lady & St Kenelm and honoured to open Little Kenelm’s, the first time ever that this school has been able to offer pre-school provision.
"I want to pay tribute to the staff and governors who have worked hard to bring the project to fruition, and it was my pleasure to spend time with them, as well as having the opportunity to address the pupils.
"The school takes its commitment to the Catholic faith very seriously, and I’m sure that Little Kenelm’s will provide a great service to parents and children in the local community."
Our Lady & St Kenelm School was founded in 1967, but until now has not been able to provide pre-school provision.
Little Kenelm’s is currently accommodating 15 children and is hoping to accommodate up to 30 by January 2021.
For details visit the school's website.
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