Chesterfield Member of Parliament, Toby Perkins, praised staff and pupils at Whitecotes Primary School in Birdholme after taking part in a Question and Answer Session led by the newly formed School Parliament. The Shadow Minister for Children and Families praised the challenging and thoughtful questions of the children on the role of MP’s, the House of Commons and political parties.

Mr. Perkins was also treated to a tour of the school buildings which have undergone substantial decoration over recent months under new leadership. The teaching staff, led by head teacher Ross Griffin, is confident that the school can continue to develop and build on recent improvements.

With a mixed catchment area, Mr. Perkins hailed the work being done to improve outcomes at Whitecotes.

After the Q&A he said:-

“From the second I stepped foot inside Whitecotes this morning there was an enthusiasm and energy from both teaching staff and pupils alike. I very much enjoyed fielding questions on various topics from my day to day activities as an MP, to my work in Parliament, and even one about my car. The work the children have done as part of their political education, including the creation of their own Cabinet, was well thought out and interesting. I particularly enjoyed hearing about a new Government position created by the pupils, the Secretary of State for Fun!

He added:-

“From what I saw today Whitecotes Primary is a school on the up. It is absolutely vital that local schools are given support and investment to ensure that children fulfill their potential”.