Valerie visits the Bus Library at Old Church Primary School

When I attended the Summer Reading Challenge event in Parliament, I met with Anne Sarrag the Head of Children’s Reading at The Reading Agency and requested books to give to Old Church Primary School for their ‘Party on the Playground’ event.

I visited the Bus Library on Friday 14 July and was welcomed by the Head Teacher Ms Clacy and the children. The children enjoyed the different books which shared an animal theme to celebrate this years Animal Agent’s Summer Reading Challenge.

It was the school’s ‘Party on the Playground’ day. Old Church Primary School received an ‘Outstanding’ grade from their SIAMS inspection in June 2017. The school’s caring nurture and support allows every child to feel special, valued and included.

I also met with Russ Bragger (General Secretary at Walsall National Union of Teachers). We discussed the issue of fair funding for schools, an issue which I raised as Shadow Leader of the House at Business Questions on 29 June 2017.

On Monday 17 July the Education Secretary announced £1.3bn in funding for schools. I am concerned that the £1.3bn would not be enough to ensure that schools do not lose per pupil funding in cash terms. The Education Secretary did not mention funding for primary schools in her statement.

Many schools in Walsall South are already struggling to expand on school places for children in the local area. I will continue to call on Government to provide extra funding for all schools.