Today we were fortunate to welcome our newly elected Weston-super-Mare member of parliament, Daniel Aldridge MP and his Chief of Staff Jane Murch to the trust as they met with CEO Adam, Comms Lead Laura and headteachers Marie Berry and Roxanne Simpson.

We had a very productive morning talking about some serious issues, including lack of education funding and the impact that it has had, and continues to have across our region, disadvantage and deprivation, early years provision, the importance of early intervention and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). 

However, aside from the serious nature of the meeting, our morning was filled with much delight as we toured two of our schools; Bournville and Locking primary schools.  We could have spent all week visiting all nine but sadly there wasn't time. Dan and Jane did have plenty of time however to enjoy playing with wooden blocks, talking to staff, chatting with children, looking at our indoor and outdoor learning environments, enjoying Hairy Maclary and generally immersing themselves into school life! 

Dan and Jane have worked within the early years and SEND education worlds themselves and so it didn't take them long to get back into the swing of things! 

We have a lot more to talk about and some more visits to make and are really looking forward to a positive working relationship with both Jane and Dan and working together towards instigating change and reform where needed. 

Huge thank you to the amazing children and staff at both Bournville and Locking primary schools: you were all so welcoming and engaging and radiated warmth, positivity and pride.