SWAFFHAM MAYOR TURNS STORYTELLER AS SHE VISITS SCHOOL TO VIEW PROGRESS ON NEW EARLY YEARS CENTRE

Swaffham Mayor Jill Skinner turned storyteller when she visited a town primary school on World Book Day.

Mrs Skinner attended a special assembly at Swaffham Primary Academy where she presented prizes for the best book-related costumes – and then held the rapt attention of the school’s Year 3 as she read them ‘Stick Man’, written by former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson.

The Mayor was visiting the school to check up on progress on the new Early Years Centre, which will open in September when the school welcomes its first Reception class.  The transformation and extension of an existing building at the school will see the creation of a state-of-the-art facility with large classrooms, outdoor spaces and break-out areas.

Mrs Skinner toured the building with chair of governors Mike Dwyer and head teacher Nicola Kaye.  The creation of the new centre is being funded by Norfolk County Council and the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT).  The interior fit-out will start later this month, and the centre will be officially handed over in August.

“We were delighted to welcome the Mayor into our school and show her the progress we are making as we transform ourselves into a full primary school,” said Mrs Kaye.  “It was a lovely surprise when she brought several books with her, and then read one to our Year 3 group, to mark World Book Day.”