Fun day marks opening of first free school in Wolverhampton

Anand Primary School will open in Graiseley, Wolverhampton, in September and its first fundraising event is set to take place on Saturday (20) from 10am until 4pm.

It will see local nurseries take part in a sports day with other fun activities such as face-painting, a dance workshop and a painting competition.

Children are also being encouraged to take second-hand clothes and toys, which will be donated to The Haven.

Any funds raised from stalls and activities will be split between the charity and children's charity Promise Dreams.

The fun day event is being supported by the charity Punjabi Wolves, along with a number of other groups from across the city.

Palvinder Dulai, a fundraiser for The Haven said: "We are so incredibly grateful to Anand Primary School, Punjabi Wolves and local sponsors for their continued support,

"All the donations will provide clothing for the families who come to The Haven refuges with very little."

Meanwhile Beverley Bird, charity manager at Promise Dreams , added: "We are hugely appreciative. Anand Primary School is already looking to raise money for children less fortunate than themselves.

"This looks set to be another great event that will not only raise awareness of our charity and the difference a dream can make to our special children but will also help generate some funds to do just that."

Anand Primary School, in Great Brickklin Street, will be the Black Country's first free school. Free schools can be set up by parents, universities, businesses or religious groups, but they are funded directly by central Government.

They are independent of councils and have increased control over their curriculum, teachers' pay and conditions as well as the length of school terms and days.