It’s all change at an Egremont school as a new teacher and a revamped classroom allow extra nursery pupils to take their first steps into education.

St Bridget’s Catholic Primary School has converted an old room into a new learning space and appointed a dedicated nursery teacher.

Natalie Marney joined the school’s staff after the Easter break to expand the nursery, which opened in September last year.

“I knew as soon as I visited St Bridget’s that this was the place I wanted to work,” said Miss Marney. “The warm welcome has exceeded my expectations and I am very excited about establishing the new nursery class and getting to know all the children and their families.”

Previously, the three year-olds were taught alongside the reception students but the appointment of a dedicated nursery teacher allows the school to offer more provision.

Headteacher Suzanne Smith said: “When I was appointed headteacher in 2015, I knew that I wanted to expand our age range to include nursery children.

“As a working mum of two little girls, I understand how important it is to parents to have the right childcare arrangements.

“Such has been the success of the project that we created a specific nursery class and are delighted to welcome Miss Marney as a dedicated nursery teacher.”

To create room for the extra students, the school has also turned a large room into a new classroom.

“We converted a room within the school into a new classroom for our year two children,” said Mrs Smith. “Our Reception class has moved into Year Two’s old class. Both groups of children have settled beautifully into their new classrooms and have found the ‘move around’ very exciting!”