School is ready for new era

Staff and pupils saw the removal of a "temporary" portable classroom this week, which had been there for over 30 years.

The removal of the portable classroom is the end of an era for the school, which gained funds for a new two-classroom extension last year.

The plan was to use one of the classrooms as a long overdue replacement for the portable classroom used by the older children, whilst the second classroom will be used from September and will allow the school to increase its intake.

Headteacher Judith Holliday told the Herald: "The work started on the new school extension back in October last year and with the two additional classrooms, it means we will be able to be a six classroom school instead of a five. We are currently interviewing for an extra teacher."

She added: "The new classrooms mean we will generally have more space in the school and everyone who has seen it has said how wonderful the new extension is. It really fits in with the existing building."

Mrs Holliday added that currently there were a total of 167 children on the school role, which was one of the healthiest figures the school had ever seen.

She said when she started at the school last September there were only 153 children on the role and demonstrated just how quickly numbers were increasing.

The money for the new classrooms has been provided by North Yorkshire LEA, the Bradford Diocese, Embsay Parish Council, local residents and businesses.

Mrs Holliday added: "Everyone who has contributed has been so generous with their donations."

And in order to thank those who have contributed, an open afternoon and evening has been arranged at the school for May 24 when visitors will have the opportunity to look round the new classroom extension.

Embsay PTA has also been very active in organising fundraising events over the past few months to pay for equipment for the new classrooms. For example, recently members held a successful Auction of Promises, which raised more than £2,500.