4 February 2013
Harriett Baldwin was quizzed by a whole class of pupils during a tour of Ashton-under-Hill First School. And the pupils, parents and teachers all lobbied the MP to make the case for fairer school funding during the visit on Friday (February 1). The MP took part in a class Question Time when she was asked about her work and life in Westminster and was even asked a question in Russian by one of the pupils. Harriett also met with parents and governors to discuss future school funding and how current Government policy will affect the school. The tour was led by headteacher Bryony Baynes, who is moving to Kempsey Primary School later this year. Harriett commented: “Ashton-under-Hill First School is another example of a great rural school making the most of its resources to offer a great start for local children. “The head, staff and governors are clearly all working together to do a great job and I can't speak too highly of what I have seen first hand. “I was really impressed with the Question Time and the children asked some very interesting questions. “I also hope that some of the school's pupils will be able to visit me in Westminster as part of an official school trip.” The pupils also gave Harriett a folder with letters including calls from pupils to help protect funding for the school. Harriett added: “Everyone clearly feels very passionately about the way our schools are funded in Worcestershire. “I was able to report that together with my local MP colleagues, I held a debate on the issue in Westminster and I hope that the Department will look again at the way we fund our vital rural schools.”