PUPILS at Winsley Primary School had a special send off for the Easter holidays with the official opening of a new classroom extension.

Headteacher Simon White and his predecessor Kate Palmer cut the ribbon to open the extension last Friday in an afternoon of celebrations.

The school held a special party, and parent Jo Robertson baked a celebration cake.

The building work has seen a classroom extended, a new IT suite installed, refurbishment of the library and major improvements in disabled access.

Mr White said: "We're delighted to have the new extension and it's been a major project.

"It's been open for a few weeks now, and the children absolutely love their new environment."

The classroom was extended because it previously didn't have any cloakroom facilities and the lack of water also made art and cookery lessons difficult.

Now we can be a bit more creative with the curriculum," said Mr White.

"We've extended the IT suite and included a new cookery area, so we can do a bit more of all the Jamie Oliver things."

He also thanked the school's staff for their efforts during the building work, which began last August and finished a few weeks ago.

"We have had work all around the buildings. It's been a little disruptive, but the staff have pulled together really well," he said.

Plans for the extension were first made during Mrs Palmer's headship, and Mr White continued with the project when he took over in January 2007.

The head teacher has also overseen the extension of the school library during his time in charge.