IT was a VIP day for pupils at Highfield Nursery School when they were allowed to watch the ribbon cutting – twice – on the official opening of its new community room.

IT was a VIP day for pupils at Highfield Nursery School when they were allowed to watch the ribbon cutting – twice – on the official opening of its new community room.

The double cutting ceremony was performed to make sure that all children from both sessions did not miss out on the big day.

Head teacher at the Ipswich school, Carol Nind said that some of the three to four year olds had some confusion surrounding the grand opening: " The day went brilliantly, although some of the children thought it was someone's birthday, until we explained that it was the room's birthday."

They were joined for the ceremony by many ex members of staff, who Mrs Nind described as: " Being very pleased to see that the school was still thriving", as well as representatives from the education department and the team of architects and builders who designed and built the project.

There was a lunch held for the visitors and an opportunity to look around the building and view a photographic exhibition of the history of the school, which amused many of the guests as they recognised themselves in the pictures on display, from days gone past.

The new building will be used to house a toy and baby library, as well as providing new space for curricular activities, such as singing, dancing and movement sessions.

It also has a disabled toilet and showering facility and extra space for storage.

The assembled guests witnessed county councillor Graham Manuel hand over a cheque for £3,000 to help the project buy new equipment.

Not only will the school benefit from the new facilities, as a Wednesday morning parent and toddler group has already started using the community room, prior to its official opening, with a great deal of success.

By Will Wright.