A SCHOOL in Ringwood will be celebrating May Day by welcoming prospective and current parents, children and friends to its annual open morning.

The Ringwood Waldorf School opens its doors on Saturday, May 3 for its annual May Open Day, which has become a highlight in the school’s calendar.

The community event provides an opportunity for prospective parents to visit the school, view the kindergartens and classrooms and speak to the teachers.

There will be a short talk on Steiner Waldorf education, which is based on the ideals of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner and the children will present music and drama in the school hall.

Refreshments will be served and there will be maypole dancing in the courtyard.

School administrator Nigel Revill said: “Many families have joined the school after attending our previous events.

“It is a joyful occasion and a wonderful opportunity for us to truly reflect the nature and social spirit of our school.”

In the Steiner system, children join kindergarten from the age of three and do not begin formal education, such as reading and writing, until they are aged six or seven.

Pupils can remain at the school until they are 18, working towards an internationally recognised qualification called the Steiner Schools Certificate (SSC).

For more information about the May Open Day, which will be held from 10am-12.30pm on May 3, call the school office on 01425 472664 or visit www.ringwoodwaldorfschool.org.uk.