THREE words now officially sum up the things a Colchester school expects to do for its children – “achieve, inspire and grow”.

The motto – along with a picture of a sunflower plant being watered – was chosen after teachers and governors of St Michael’s Primary School and Nursery took part in a workshop aimed at devising a new “vision statement”.

Their suggestions were then passed on to a working party of staff and governors, which made the final decision.

Headteacher Gail Burns explained: “As we began the new academic year, the staff and governors wanted to review the vision statement for the school.

“In line with the introduction of the New National Curriculum the school felt the statement needed to be rewritten.

“The working party was keen it should be a visual representation, which could be understood by children and parents.”

Mrs Burns said the picture represented everyone in the school who contributed to growing young minds.

She added: “Our children come to us as seeds and through our focus on achievement, inspiration and inclusion, they grow into strong sunflowers, ready for the next stage in their learning journey.

“We hope this visual representation will be easily understood by children. It defines what we want to achieve for all our children.”

The new logo was revealed to children, parents and visitors, including Garrison commander Colonel Gary Wilkinson, and councillors Dave Harris and Nigel Offen.