THE new Isambard Kingdom Brunel Primary School (IKB), part of The Castle Partnership Trust, has opened its doors to its first cohort of 21 children on its temporary site at Wellesley Park Primary School.

IKB headteacher Richard Healey welcomed children at the school gate and teacher Miss Fahy and teaching assistant Miss Evans greeted them in their classroom.

Youngsters had to wash and dry their hands when they arrived, as part of Covid-19 safety measures, which also include a cleaning plan for all surfaces, equipment and areas used, and hand-washing throughout the day.

Mr Healey, who is also primary executive headteacher of the trust, said the children had enjoyed their new topic ‘All About Me’ in which they are learning about themselves, their senses, local environments, their families and communities.

They could use areas for maths, construction, creativity and role play, a reading corner and outdoor learning, and even visit a snack station to top up on nutritious fruit snacks and milk to boost energy and concentration.

Mr Healey said: “I could not be more proud of our entire IKB learning community. From the children who have been inspirational in their positive attitudes to beginning school, to the parents/carers who have offered total support and loyalty towards us over these past months, to the incredible IKB staff team who have worked so hard to ensure the highest levels of provision for all our children both from a pastoral sense and educationally.

“IKB is only a week old, yet we already have such a sense of community spirit surrounding us which we are all keen to ensure goes from strength to strength.”

Miss Fahy said: “The children have all embraced starting school and the progress they have made building relationships with others, taking part in all the learning activities on offer and their growth in confidence throughout the week has been exceptional.”

The new IKB school is on the Longforth Farm development on the edge of Wellington and is expected to open after autumn half-term.

Parents interested in places for the next academic year should visit IKB website’s for more information at ikbschool.co.uk