Peter Kavagnah opens the nursery extension at Taverham Hall school. Photo: Bill Smith

A children’s illustrator yesterday joined in the celebrations as a Norfolk school officially opened its new nursery extension.

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The opening of the new extension at Taverham Hall School, near Norwich, comes as the independent school marks its 90th anniversary.

It also follows a hat-trick of “outstanding” Ofsted reports which saw the school win high praise from government inspectors.

Norfolk-based Peter Kavanagh, known for What Next, Ted? and who has illustrated books for authors such as Dick King-Smith and Jacqueline Wilson, spent some time with the children at the school before cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

Headmaster Mike Crossley said: “We are delighted Mr Kavanagh could find the time to join us to mark this special occasion. The children very much enjoyed his company at lunch and throughout the afternoon.”

Building work started on the nursery extension, which features two new classrooms, in July and was finished in August ahead of the new school term.

It has been built in response to an increased interest in spaces at the nursery. The extra demand has been put down to how nursery care is now provided full-time throughout the year and the school’s glowing Ofsted reports.

The school received an overall “outstanding” rating in its boarding inspection. Ofsted officials also rated the school’s nursery and early years department as “outstanding” and last year the whole school was inspected by the Independent Inspectorate Team (ISI) who deemed the early years provision to be “outstanding” and the whole school was described as providing “an excellent all-round education”.

Sharon Turner, chair of governors, said “We would like to say a special thanks to Clydesdale Bank for helping with the finance for this new venture and for the superb customer service they provided. The project was a major undertaking, as we needed to be ready in time for the start of term in September. Clydesdale Bank’s full support enabled us to expedite matters, allowing work on the building to commence in July, thus causing minimal disruption to the school and its pupils. We are delighted with the results.”