STUDENTS at an Effingham primary school were surprised to gain a new classmate – in the form of a government minister
Jennifer Hardwick Pictures: Kevin Shaw
SPLASHING ABOUT: Schools minister Nick Gibb enjoys the new outdoor learning area at St Lawrence Primary School
Schools minister Nick Gibb visited St Lawrence Primary School on January 27 to open a new outdoor learning area, but could not resist taking part in some lessons while he was there.
Mr Gibb tried his hand at a spot of maths with the students, as well as taking the time to try out a watering can in the new outdoor area.
Head of school Vanessa Wallden said: “It was lovely to welcome Mr Gibb to St Lawrence. All the staff and pupils enjoyed meeting such a respected figure and learning more about his role.”
Mr Gibb originally visited the Lower Road school in 2013 to review its improvement plan and advise governors on steps to be taken, as the school announced its intentions to raise its Ofsted rating from “requires improvement” to “good”.
That rating was not yet achieved at the school’s latest inspection in October 2014, but since Mr Gibb’s original visit the academy has become part of The Howard Partnership Trust and has recruited Mrs Wallden.