Proud boobas and zaidas from 12 countries were among almost 200 grandparents at an afternoon in their honour at the Naima Jewish Preparatory in Maida Vale.

The grandparents came from as far afield as the US, South America and South Africa. As well as sitting in on lessons, they joined their grandchildren at a Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony. The day concluded with an assembly at which principal and Naima “grandfather” Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy was presented with a copy of the “Grandparents Book” produced by pupils for the occasion.

Naima organised the day to recognise the contribution of grandparents to the children’s development. “Families in the school represent almost 20 countries,” a spokeswoman explained.

“We thought that not only could the grandparents take a more active role in their grandchildren’s school day — they could also share some of their customs and life stories with the classes.”