Malmesbury CoE Primary School has become the first state primary in Wiltshire to have its own chaplain.

The Rev Katie Windle, 37, who has twins aged three and a baby aged one, starts this week.

Her nine-hours-a-week job is funded by the abbey where Mrs Windle is an associate minister responsible for building bridges with the town.

She was commissioned by the Bishop of Swindon the Rt Rev Lee Bayfield at a school assembly on Monday.

The role follows a pilot study in Cambridgeshire designed to enhance the pastoral care of children.

Mrs Windle will be working with staff, governors and parents, as well as with the children.

She said: “It’s a pioneering role which will develop over time, but it’s very exciting to be involved.”

She will help with the spiritual and social well-being of children, taking assemblies, supporting RE lessons and helping at festivals like Christmas and Easter.

She will also be involved with the school’s Jesus And Me (JAM) club which attracts more than 100 pupils and helps them explore spiritual matters, encouraging them to pray and explore Bible stories.

Mrs Windle, who will be at the school on Mondays and Fridays, will hold drop in sessions.

She said: “To start with I’ll be getting to know the children and staff and be available to speak to people during break times. “We’re going to be running a drop in centre on a Monday lunchtime for children to come and talk to me about anything on their minds.”

Mrs Windle, 37, taught English and drama at various secondary schools, including supply teaching at Malmesbury.

She used to be a curate in Hullavington and was then a vicar in Bath.

She came to Malmesbury Abbey last summer when her husband got a job at Dyson.

Headteacher Jeff Staton said: “It’s an exciting opportunity for the school to enhance the existing provision for pupils’ spiritual development and well being.

“The role of chaplain is to assist schools in providing pastoral care, general, spiritual and personal advice to those seeking it.”