James Morris, MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, paid a visit to Our Lady & St Kenelm Catholic School last Friday to open their new pre-school.

Cutting the ribbon alongside Headteacher Christine Finnegan, Chair of Governors Peter Johnson and Parish Priest Father Gerry Lennon, James addressed all the children at the school and toured the new facility before Fr Lennon prayed a special blessing over the building and the children. James said:

“I was delighted to visit Our Lady & St Kenelm and honoured to open Little Kenelm’s, the first time ever that this school has been able to offer pre-school provision.

”I want to pay tribute to the staff and governors who have worked hard to bring the project to fruition, and it was my pleasure to spend time with them, as well as having the opportunity to address the pupils. 

“The School takes its commitment to the Catholic faith very seriously, and I’m sure that Little Kenelm’s will provide a great service to parents and children in the local community.“

Christine Finnegan, Headteacher of Our Lady & St Kenelm Catholic School, added:

“We were delighted that James could come and join us this morning for our official opening of our Little Kenelm's Pre School. All staff and Governors have worked really hard over the last five years to make this happen; it is through a shared vision and the support of everyone, that we now have all our families under the same roof. 

“Transition from Pre- school into Class Reception over the last few years has been a real struggle for us in school; our intake has previously been for eighteen different settings, bringing many challenges for our staff.

”Therefore, we are hoping that with this new, exciting adventure, we can foster a smoother transition into school, should they meet the school's admissions criteria, when the time comes.”