Crowthorne and Sandhurst

College Town Infant school celebrated Nepali New Year last week (Wednesday 25) by having a 'Nepal Day' as part of Sandhurst's ongoing effort to work with the local Nepali community.

Children throughout the Sandhurst school took part in various activities during the day, including learning to write their names in Nepali.

Parents were incredibly generous and made traditional food which all of the school children tried. All staff and children were invited to wear costume and made traditional style hats.

The whole day concentrated on Nepali culture and tradition and the grand finale was a colourful dance at assembly.

Over 150 Nepali parents attended on the day.

Margaret Dillon, acting Headteacher said: "Every child in the school had the opportunity to experience a different culture first hand.

"The day enabled our children from Nepal to take centre stage and shine."

The number of Nepali families in Sandhurst has increased significantly in recent years and families based at the Royal Military Academy contribute to the twenty per cent Nepali population at College Town infant school.

A number of initiatives are under way across the borough to help Nepali children improve their English, including after-school study support sessions at Sandhurst School and extra literacy and reading groups at College Town Infant School.

There are future plans for the formation of a Nepali women's support group and also representation for the Nepali community on school governing bodies.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council ~ Sandhurst