Schools Minister Lord Hill has praised the Etz Chaim Jewish Primary in Mill Hill for “providing much-needed primary school places in Barnet”. The minister met staff, governors and pupils as he toured the free school’s temporary premises in Daws Lane and the nearby site for a permanent home.

He sampled ice cream cones and lollies made by the reception class.

Governors’ chair Adam Dawson welcomed the government’s investment in Etz Chaim and thanked Lord Hill for his “personal involvement and help with the project”.

The minister responded that “free schools like this one are improving choice for parents and I wish the pupils and teachers every success”.

Heads Yvonne Baron and Sharon Mullish praised the free school policy for giving them “the freedom to develop innovative teaching methods and prioritise spending in a child-focused way”.