Village infant school has '˜no choice' but to raise £40k for primary extension

It is make or break for East Claydon School as it battles to raise £40,000 in the next year so it can become a primary school '“ or face closure.
MP for Buckingham, John Bercow, with pupils of East Claydon SchoolMP for Buckingham, John Bercow, with pupils of East Claydon School
MP for Buckingham, John Bercow, with pupils of East Claydon School

The infant school, for pupils aged two to seven, has decided it is ‘not viable’ to continue without primary status.

A lot of children must go on to Twyford School or Swanbourne at seven, but if the infant school can extend, pupils will be able to stay on.

And with the support of MP for Buckingham John Bercow who kicked off the campaign last week, it hopes to raise the £40,000 needed to make the transition.

Chairman of governors and mum-of-two, Anna Machin is looking forward to the challenge.

She knows how it feels to have a daughter who has to move on because that is what Hebe, now nine, had to do.

But she is hoping six-year-old Kitty, currently in Year 1, will be able to extend her stay.

She said: “I was actually quite upset, because she (Hebe) was having the best time.

“We’re very lucky. We have the most amazing facilities but it’s a small school, so it’s a big family.

She added: “We are hugely confident. Because we actually can’t fail – we have no choice.

“It’s such an important part of the community and the whole community is behind us. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response we’ve had so far.”

Mr Bercow launched the fundraising campaign while officially opening a Lottery-funded play area and a new dining room.