The future looks bright for Simon Marks Jewish Primary School after the opening of its new building for nursery- and reception-age children.

Unveiling a plaque at the William Sharron early years building Ephraim Mirvis – chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth – praised it as a “beacon of provision for the very youngest pupils as they embark on their Jewish journey”.

The new centre includes a large garden for the kids to plant their own vegetables.

Chair of governors Howard Pallis said: “The opening of this new facility is a huge step forward for us. Following Ofsted’s recent rating of us as a ‘good’ school, and the appointment of our excellent head Gulcan Metin, we’re going from strength to strength. Billy Sharron would be thrilled to see what’s happening at a school he truly loved.”