Simon Marks Primary in Stoke Newington extended some pre-Succot hospitality to parents ahead of this week’s festival.

For the first time the families of Jewish and non-Jewish pupils were guests in the school succah, sharing platters of harvested fruit as they learned about the practices associated with the festival.

Cynthia, parent of a new pupil, said, “It’s the first time I have been in a succah and great to learn about the Jewish religion.”

Headteacher Gulcan Metin-Asdoyuran said, “This year we are really focused on educating the wider community about Jewish life and values.

“It has been a real pleasure inviting others into our succah before Succot began.

“When children go home and talk about what they have been learning at school, all parents will know about Succot and the unity it represents.’