A TOP-PERFORMING school has been given the stamp of approval by a former schools minister.
Tory MP Nick Gibb paid a visit to St John’s Church of England Primary School in Grove Road, Gosport, yesterday to meet staff and pupils.
He had lunch with youngsters before going on a tour of the school and meeting the teachers.
Over lunch, Mr Gibb quizzed youngsters on their history lessons, maths skills and reading habits.
After giving them advice about their times tables and reading, he met teachers to hear their thoughts on the curriculum.
Mr Gibb said: ‘It’s a very well-run school with a lovely atmosphere.
‘There is no sign of any bullying here at all and the children seem happy.
‘I enjoyed meeting the children and we had a good conversation. I was very impressed.
‘As a politician going into a staff room, you don’t always get a warm welcome, but I felt there was a warm atmosphere here.
‘It was also good to see there was a great representation of male teachers and assistants here.’
Mr Gibb, the MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, spoke to pupils about life as an MP and asked them what their ambitions were.
Over sandwiches and cakes, they told him about their history lessons and showed off their knowledge of maths.
Joy Squibb, the school’s headteacher, said: ‘What has been refreshing is to have a politician who clearly understands education.
‘Nick knows how to question children and what the important questions are.
‘We have discussed various issues and it was good to speak to him.
‘We love having visitors in our school because it gives you a chance to talk about the things that are important.
‘I am very proud of our staff and our children and it’s good to show that to other people.’
Comments