Witney MP 'really cool', say pupils (From Witney Gazette)

Witney MP 'really cool', say pupils

3:08pm Monday 20th March 2006 in Witney By Monica Sloan

IS teaching tougher than being Tory leader? Witney MP David Cameron is about to find out after agreeing to become a teacher for the day at an Oxfordshire primary school.

Mr Cameron signed up for the challenge during a visit to Burford Primary School on Friday, where he spent the morning with pupils, before heading to visit North Leigh Primary School.

During school assembly at Burford Primary, the children questioned him about issues such as education and the environment.

He also took a guided tour of the school, and met members of the school council.

Headteacher, Ellie Stacey, said: "We all enjoyed welcoming David Cameron to our school. He took an interest in everything that we wanted to show him, and he was friendly and approachable with the children. They thought he was really cool'. He even agreed to come and work in the school as a teacher for a day."

During his visit to North Leigh Primary School, Mr Cameron admired its new £135,000 buildings.

"Mr Cameron took an interest in everything that we wanted to show him, and he was friendly and approachable with the children. They thought he was ‘really cool'. He even agreed to come and work in the school as a teacher for a day."

Headteacher Ellie Stacey

The buildings, funded by the Government's Seed Challenge Grant to raise achievement by improving buildings, include a community room, staffroom, entrance, and offices.

Outside groups and organisations, including the after-school Kids Club, will use the community room, called The St Mary's Room.

Children worked with local artist Lindsey Thompson to give the school entrance a make-over as part of the revamp, designing a Tree of Life mosaic.

The school is planning improvements to its foundation-stage classrooms, with a £50,000 grant from Oxfordshire County Council's foundation-stage investment fund.

Headteacher, Penny Price, said: "Working together to create our mosaic was a thrilling experience for everyone. Children, staff, and parents are rightly proud of their achievements, and it reflects the friendly welcome we offer to others. The new facilities provide a high-quality and professional place for everyone to work."

Louise Chapman, county councillor for Hanborough and cabinet member for children, young people, and families, added: "The new facilities have made a big difference to teaching staff and pupils, and will benefit local community groups too."