Reading West MP Alok Sharma visited the new All Saints Junior Free School on its opening day on 6th September. Alok took the opportunity to talk to staff and pupils at the school, who were all busy making a celebratory welcome lunch for parents. The Year 3 pupils were making a variety of sandwiches, finger-food and colourful cup cakes!

Alok, who has actively supported plans for the new school since before he became an MP, said: “The All Saints Free School is a fantastic boost for parents and children in the local area, we need more school places in Reading and this school helps to fill some of the gap. All the hard work of the All Saints Action Group and the local community has paid off and I pay tribute to their sheer determination to make this school a reality.”

Alok continued: “The children were really enjoying their first day at their new school and I am absolutely convinced that under the leadership of Headteacher Susannah Daniel and the school’s governors, All Saints Juniors will flourish in the years ahead.”

Dorothy Yuille of All Saints Action Group said: “It is really great to see the school finally open! It has taken lots of hard work from many people including those at CfBT Education Trust, and I am so happy that it has paid off.”

Dorothy continued: “The next step in the process is the move to our permanent premises in August House, and work will soon commence there to convert the building into a school. All Saints Juniors will then be able to move there next year.”

Photo: Alok with teaching assistant Stuart Milne, head teacher Susannah Daniel, teacher Natalie Needham and Year 3 All Saints pupils as they prepare for their celebratory lunch.