ByRobyn Rosen, Robyn Rosen
The location has been revealed for Haringey Jewish Primary, one of the new government-funded free schools which is set to open next September.
Peter Kessler, joint project leader, told a meeting of 200 parents that the school would be in Creighton Avenue, Muswell Hill, next to the well-regarded Fortismere secondary. He hoped it could share some Fortismere facilities.
"It will be a completely new building which is not the case for many of the new free schools," he said. "If approved, the government will fund it, which is an amazing opportunity."
At the meeting on Sunday, parents heard from Richard Mallinson from the Department for Education about the government's scheme.
Almost 250 children's names have been registered for the school and applications for September 2011 opened this week.
Mr Kessler said half the places would be available on a proximity basis and 50 per cent on a faith basis. As for children from families who are not synagogue members, "personal and private worship" would be acknowledged.
"We recognise people can be Jewish without going to shul and people can be accepted without jumping through hoops to reflect what is not their understanding of religion."
The primary's slogan will be: "A Jewish primary school where everybody is welcome."