Lord Mayor officially opens Beechwood CE Primary School’s new nursery
Beechwood CE Primary School in Dudley has celebrated the official opening of its new nursery with a ceremony attended by civic leaders and the local MP.
Distinguished guests included the Lord Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pete Lee, and the Mayoress, Gloria Lee, alongside Sonia Kumar MP for Dudley, Clare Soar, Youth and Children’s Minister, David Sheldon, Chair of Trustees, and Robert Bowater, CEO of drb Ignite Multi Academy Trust.
They joined pupils and staff to mark what David Sheldon described as “a new chapter for Beechwood and the families we serve".
The celebration began with a special assembly in the school hall, hosted by headteacher Sophie Blick. The programme included introductions and expressions of gratitude to those who had made the nursery possible. Pupils led a ‘Word Wave’ around the theme “What Makes Beechwood Brilliant?”, while hymns of thankfulness added to the celebratory atmosphere. Guests were also invited to reflect on their own primary school memories.
The Lord Mayor shared: “My favorite memory of primary school was learning mathematics and mastering my times tables.”
Following the assembly, guests enjoyed a guided tour of the school, including the new EYFS and nursery facilities, before the Lord Mayor officially opened the nursery with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Beechwood was one of 300 schools nationally selected to share in £37 million of Department for Education funding to expand nursery places. The initiative is designed to help meet local demand for high-quality early years provision.
“We are thrilled to open our new nursery and to welcome such distinguished guests to celebrate this special occasion,” said Sophie Blick. “This investment allows us to support local families by giving children the very best start in education within our caring and inclusive school community.”
Sonia Kumar MP, who previously visited Beechwood in 2024 to celebrate its Ofsted success, added: “I am so proud to see investment in Beechwood CE Primary School. This nursery will be a real asset for local families. I know how committed the staff are to giving children the very best start. I am delighted for local families as the Government delivers on their promise to open 300 new or expanded nurseries on school grounds.”
For more information about Beechwood CE Primary School and Nursery, visit beechwood.drbignitemat.org
