Two family support workers helping pupils at schools in the Alton Schools Cluster now have a place to call their own.

Sarah Allen and Emily Evans are based at The Butts Primary School and it was decided two years ago that they needed a more substantial home to provide the very best care.

Karen Bevis, school business manager at The Butts, had a vision of a separate building on the school site to provide a meeting space, office space and an area for a resource library.

East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council’s children’s services department funded the building. An Alton Rotary Club donation allowed the resource library to be fully stocked with sensory toys, parenting guides and many other resources. RawNet donated all the furniture.

On February 11 the building, known as The Hub, was officially opened by Alton Rotary Club president Rosemary Arrowsmith-Oliver and past president Lisa Hillan.

Sarah Allen told the Herald: “It is so lovely to have a dedicated space for family support. We have a cosy, comfortable, private room where we can meet with families and an area where all our resources can be clearly displayed for parents to browse and borrow.

“We are extremely grateful to Karen Bevis for all her hard work in making this happen, and to the Rotary Club for the funding for the resources.”

Also speaking to the Herald, Karen Bevis added: “I am delighted and proud that the vision has become a reality and that the family support workers now have their own space to be able to provide the valuable service that is so vital for the community.

“I am so grateful for the support given by people at East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council and Mark from MRC Construction that helped to make this happen.”