A TEIGNMOUTH school is celebrating the completion of a new extension.

The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Budd, blessed the foundation stage unit at Our Lady & St Patrick's School, which has provision for nursery and reception age children.

The purpose built unit has been welcomed by pupils, staff and parents, and the chairman of governors, Paul Doherty, said: 'It is a wonderful opportunity to rethink the children's learning environment and allows us to enhance delivery of the foundation stage curriculum.

'Linking nursery and reception areas in an open plan style, frees up space, and makes it easier to provide a workshop environment, where larger areas can be devoted to, for example, creative, messy or large scale block play.'

Headteacher Ann-Marie McIntosh said it was a great development, not only for younger children, but the whole school.

'It means our nursery and reception classes can collaborate, share and integrate, to experience high quality, effective provision, which meets the needs and interests of our children.

'...This in turn provides a strong foundation for the children's future years in school.'