Beeston’s new primary school is opened

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Judith Chapman and local MP Hilary Benn were amongst the guests as the new Lane End Primary School was officially opened in Beeston on Friday (22 January 2016).

Lord Mayor Cllr Judith Chapman, Headteacher Asa Britton and Hilary Benn MP with Summer Cooper, Muskhan Jain, Jack Johnson and Ousman Manjong
Lord Mayor Cllr Judith Chapman, Headteacher Asa Britton, Hilary Benn MP and Chair of Governors Jason Askham with Summer Cooper, Ousman Manjong, Jack Johnson and Muskaan Jain

The planting of a tree (a time capsule is to follow once its contents are complete) seemed very apt for a school that uses a tree motif on its badge and names its classes after tree species.

Back in the school hall the Lord Mayor asked the children how they like their new school, “it’s perfect” said one little boy. She encouraged the pupils to “enjoy every last minute in this school”.

Hilary Benn MP echoed those sentiments saying: “The chance to go to school is the most important thing in life.”

Addressing parents and carers he added: “As parents we have just two jobs to do. One is to love our children with all our heart, the second is to encourage them at every turn.”

Headteacher Asa Britton then took us through some of the comments the children had made when they were asked about their dreams and aspirations for the future. Future careers ranged from policeman, nurse and racing driver to zookeeper, rock star and Lego dinosaur!

The ceremony ended with the children singing You’ve Got A Friend In Me. Each child was given a balloon with their dream attached and a piggy bank to help them make it come true.

Lane End Primary School has been built on the site of the South Leeds Sports Centre. It is a two form entry school, currently comprising two Reception classes and two Year 1 classes plus a nursery.