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The Earl of Wessex Opens New School

HRH The Earl of Wessex formally opened the new extension of Old Town First School on Thursday December 4.

Civic leaders including the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Joyce Lavender and the Sheriff of Poole, Cllr Charles Meachin, greeted His Royal Highness.

Headteacher, Mrs Gill Taylor, and Chair of Governors, Cllr Chris Bulteel gave the Earl of Wessex a short tour of the school, which included a visit to the new nursery and computer suite.

In a short speech, Mrs Taylor thanked His Royal Highness for joining the school to celebrate the opening of the new extension and expressed her gratitude towards parents, friends and staff for their hard work during the building project.

The Earl of Wessex addressed the children assembled before unveiling the plaque commemorating the opening, which was met with loud applause.

Cllr Tony Woodcock, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Supporting Children and Young People, Borough of Poole, said: "It is a wonderful honour to have had The Earl of Wessex formally open the extension of Old Town First School and Nursery. We are very proud of the building's innovative design and the fantastic facilities provided."

Gill Taylor, Headteacher, Old Town First School and Nursery, said: "The new extension has enhanced the learning facilities for our children and meet the needs of the growing Poole Town community. We have received tremendous support from parents and staff throughout the project and we were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to our school for this special occasion."

The new extension has doubled the school's overall size and includes a new nursery, library, computer suite and hall. The extension also includes child-care facilities and a children's centre offering a variety of services for young families in the area.