New Nursery opened at St. Bride's Primary School

A new nursery facility at St. Bride’s Primary School, Onich, together with a major refurbishment of the school, was formally opened today (Friday) by Councillor Andrew Anderson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee.

The new nursery, which is housed within an extension to the school building, and the facelift of the school, represents an investment of £575,000 by The Highland Council.

The new nursery was built as the result of the former nursery class at St. Bride’s being forced to close two years ago following a building failure.  Since then pre-school pupils from Onich have attended the nursery class at Ballachulish Primary.

Councillor Anderson said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to open this excellent new facility for St. Bride’s Primary School.  The level of investment made once again demonstrates the Council’s commitment both to pre-school education and to our small rural schools.”

Councillor Michael Foxley, Chairman of the Lochaber Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: "The past four years have seen a tremendous growth in nursery provision for 3 and 4 year olds. Almost every community now has high quality provision and St. Brides is the latest example of this."

Head Teacher, Susan Kemp, said: “We are delighted with the results of the extensive work carried out at St. Bride’s Primary School over the last eight months. This exciting project has delivered a beautifully designed new nursery, and along with the total refurbishment of the school, has provided greatly enhanced facilities which will serve our community for many years to come.  Every member of our school community will benefit.”

St Bride’s has a roll of 23 primary school pupils and four nursery pupils.