Coleshill C of E Primary School Press Release:
From one fictional school to another very much in the real world. Craig Tracey MP gamely answered questions from the school council of Coleshill C of E Primary School (ranging from, "Have you ever met the Queen?" to, "What are the Houses of Parliament like?") on his recent visit to the school.
Craig was pleased to take questions from the children, aged 6 – 11, who have all been elected by ballot just like Craig was in May 2015. Whilst the school council speak for 328 pupils, Craig represents 74,000 people across North Warwickshire and Bedworth.
During the morning Craig spent time meeting staff and children and seeing teaching in action. Talking about some of the key issues in education today he said, "The key to ensuring our young people are ready for life after school has to remain a focus on phonics, numeracy and literacy, and the better start they get at an early age really makes a huge difference."
Craig also spent some time in the school’s vibrant Early Years Foundation Stage, where the Nursery and Reception classes have gone from strength to strength since they were opened in a new building five years ago. Here, staff encourage an enthusiasm for learning through a play based curriculum for children at the very beginning of their school careers.
Craig commented: "I was really impressed by the School, from the Headteacher; Mr Kershaw and his staff, to the facilities, the welcoming atmosphere and the inquisitive students. As a local MP being able to visit such an excellent school in the constituency is a privilege.”
The nursery now takes children from two years old, and with a growing population and parents looking for not just quality childcare but also an early years education, challenges remain for providers across the county. In particular, uncertainty around the funding for the government’s commitment to provide 30 hours of free childcare to working parents, (a doubling of the current 15 hours for three and four year olds).
Head Teacher Andrew Kershaw said, "One of our key aims is to ensure that all children can reach their full potential and make progress regardless of their starting points. We firmly believe that the quality input we can provide from a young age will help close the gap in attainment where any exists and ensure children develop the skills they need in the school system and beyond."
As Craig told the school council when talking about his experience of being a new MP, "You don’t stop learning when you leave school."