MP quizzed by pupils at Arundel Primary School
Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert paid a visit to Arundel Primary School on Friday morning (8 May) to meet pupils and staff at the school.
During his visit, Mr Herbert met with Headteacher Linda Davies to discuss a range of current issues facing the school and was given a tour of the classrooms to meet staff and pupils.
In one of the classes, Mr Herbert was invited to try some ‘medieval' gingerbread baked by the children and said that it was "delicious".
Mr Herbert also took part in a question and answer session with Year 5 pupils of the Emerald class, answering a range of questions about his life in politics and the work of an MP, along with his views on Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the management of Ford Prison, SATS tests in schools, the need for a new bypass on the A27 at Arundel and the proposal to build an eco-town at Ford.
Arundel Church of England Primary School is a mixed, voluntary aided school with around 160 pupils aged between 4 and 11. The school, in Jarvis Road, was built in 1975 on land owned by the Norfolk Estate.
After more than 14 years as the Headteacher of Arundel Primary School and nearly 40 years in teaching, Linda Davies is stepping down on 22 July to work as a teaching consultant in West Sussex. Mrs Davies will be succeeded by the current Deputy Headteacher Andrew Simpson.
After the visit, Andrew Simpson commented: "At a staff meeting in April we discussed the idea of pupils, parents and teachers meeting with decision makers to tell them about their experience in education, either through an event in Parliament or MPs visiting schools. In the case of our school we very much appreciated the visit from Nick Herbert and would welcome further visits. He has helped inspire our children to consider the local political picture."
Nick Herbert commented: "I'm very grateful to Mrs Davies for showing me around the school and introducing me to the staff and pupils. I had a really great time and I particularly enjoyed the question and answer session with the Year 5 class. The pupils were very bright and it was encouraging to see that they have such a keen interest in local and national issues!"
Mr Herbert added: "I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet Mrs Davies before she steps down as Headteacher and wish her the very best of luck with her new venture. I'm sure she'll be greatly missed by everyone at the school."
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. Arundel CE Primary School is located at Jarvis Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9HT.
2. For the website of Arundel CE Primary School, visit http://www.arundel.w-sussex.sch.uk/.
3. For the latest OFSTED report, published in November 2006, visit http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/72268/(as)/126019_293435.pdf.
4. The photograph shows Nick Herbert with Headteacher Linda Davies.