SCHOOLS Minister Damian Hinds MP visited two Worcester schools to view the progress made at Rivers Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).
City MP Robin Walker welcomed his successor as Minister of State for Schools to meet the trust’s founder, Kate Brunt, and local heads at two Worcester primaries, Cherry Orchard and Northwick Manor.
Mr Hinds accepted an invitation shortly after his appointment and the pair first met pupils, teachers, and Karen Banford, head at Cherry Orchard Primary School in Timberdine Close, where the
Minister took part in a ‘lively’ discussion with year six pupils and heard from Mrs Brunt about the history of the trust.
The minister toured the school and saw new facilities in its entrance hall, hearing how the trust had introduced its knowledge-rich curriculum and how pupils enjoyed learning through it. He heard how attendance has been a major priority for the school and saw for himself the lively and well-informed youngsters.
They then went on to Northwick Manor Primary, an outstanding school where the head, Sian Williams, is retiring at the end of the year.
Mr Hinds was able to thank both Kate and Sian for their enormous contribution to education in Worcestershire and all they have done to support the children in their care.
He toured the school and challenged a class to compete with their peers at Cherry Orchard in answering questions about Parliament, a challenge that they keenly took up.
Mr Walker, who as well as being Worcester’s MP, chairs the Education Select Committee, said:
“It’s always a delight to welcome colleagues to visit my schools in Worcester, and I am especially grateful to the new Minister, just weeks after his appointment, for coming to visit two lively local primary schools.
“It was wonderful to be quizzed by pupils about our work in Parliament and to see how much they enjoy both the rich curriculum and activities on offer at both schools.
“Heads such as Kate, Sian, and Karen do a fantastic job, and it was great to hear of their passion for education and how they have worked together through the Rivers Trust to improve standards.
‘Through my select committee work, I will continue to press the Government on how they support schools and leaders, on fairer funding and on support for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), but it is vital to take some time to say thank you to those who have made a massive difference in education, and this was a good chance to do so.
“I wish Kate every joy of her retirement and Sian of hers, but I suspect both of them will stay involved and in touch with Worcester schools for a long time to come.”
