As part of his focus on education and opportunity in North West Norfolk, James was given a tour of Middleton Church of England Primary Academy on Friday by Headteacher Mrs Rachael Greenhalgh and talked about plans to recover learning lost during Covid, saw the school’s gardening project to engage pupils with outdoor learning, and discussed improvements the school continues to make.
James was invited by Paul Dunning, Director of Education, Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) to see how the school had adapted during lockdown and how children, staff and the school community are building back after lockdown.
The school run by DNEAT aims to involve all members of the school community: children, staff, parents, governors to achieve the goal of high-quality education while offering small class sizes in a rural environment.
James took part in a question and answer session with a group of children talking about the “SOS Gardening Project” they had been taking part in as well as protecting the oceans, poaching of animals, and climate change.. He also reviewed with Mrs Greenhalgh the improvements that the school has continued to make to provide high-quality education and challenges with SEND funding.
James Wild MP said: “A good education is key to giving young people the opportunity to fulfil their potential. So I was pleased to come and talk about how the school is helping pupils bounce back after the disruption caused by Covid and its focus on delivering improved learning. It was impressive to talk to pupils about nature and hear how their gardening project supports outdoor learning and links to books and other studying.”
Paul Dunning, Director of Education, Diocese of Norwich, said: “All staff in our schools have done an excellent job in coping with the fast-changing and additional requirements caused by the pandemic. This and future visits will enable our local MPs to see this in person and enable us to update them on the Diocese of Norwich’s Education strategy and how that supports our 110 schools and the wider education system.”
He added: “More than a quarter of primary aged children in the area attend Church of England schools. There are 110 schools in the Diocese family, of which 36 are DNEAT academies and a further eight with St Benet’s Multi Academy Trust.”
Oliver Burwood, CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) said: “It’s important we work closely with MPs and stakeholders in our local community and the series of MP visits will be a proactive opportunity to advise on how the education system and our staff are playing a vital role in the long-term recovery from this pandemic.”
