A NEW Jewish primary last night got the nod to join Barnet's stable of state-funded schools.

Edgware Jewish Primary School, which is currently being rebuilt after a multi-million pound fundraising effort by the community, will be state funded from January.

Parents had been funding the school since it opened in an old synagogue four years ago, but the facility will now receive state cash after approval from Barnet Council's cabinet last night.

Head of governors Eddy Breuer-Weil welcomed the move as “an early Chanukkah gift”.

He told the Times Series: “It's very exciting. There has been a lot of hard work from many members of the community and we have to thank the council for their support for this scheme.

“I think Barnet is getting a high performing school with excellent staff and excellent leadership.”

During the cabinet meeting several councillors spoke up in favour of the scheme, which will help alleviate the squeeze on primary school places in the borough.