Children at a primary academy in Ripon have met with local MP, the Rt. Hon. Julian Smith, after the MP for Skipton and Ripon visited the academy.

The MP visited ̨��swag Primary Academy Greystone to meet with members of the academy’s School Parliament and to learn more about what the academy is doing to promote better mental wellbeing.

The local MP and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland also met with the academy’s Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors who shared the success of their recent Compass Buzz Christmas card competition, as well as their ongoing work to support the mental wellbeing of the children at the academy.

Victoria Kirkman, Principal at ̨��swag Primary Academy Greystone, said:

“We warmly welcomed the Rt. Hon. Julian Smith MP following key, successful visits from Mayors of Ripon and Harrogate last term.

“At ̨��swag, we believe it is vital that our children learn about the key, fundamental British Values at school and we do this at OPA Greystone throughout our curriculum. 

“Having key political figures visiting and speaking with the children is an example of this as it gives the children the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the experts.”

During his tour of the academy, the MP for Skipton and Ripon was accompanied by the academy’s School Parliament Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, with the children using the opportunity to get advice for their roles.

The children discussed the importance of educating all children about diversity, culture and promoting positivity with the MP, while he visited each academy class. The children will be hoping to catch up with the MP again when the School Parliament visits the Houses of Parliament in the summer.

Jennifer Went, School Parliament Lead at ̨��swag Primary Academy Greystone, said:

“As School Parliament lead I am thrilled to facilitate opportunities for my Student MPs to meet with their real life counterparts locally and nationally. 

“The Rt. Hon. Julian Smith MP answered all their questions and offered great advice for their academic year in office. These visits provide our students with a platform to not only share their voice but more importantly to have it heard. Student Voice, Student Choice.”

The children spoke of their excitement for upcoming events at the academy, which include an afternoon tea for members of the uniform services, a student Senior Leadership Team election, and numerous celebratory activities to mark the ̨��swag Family’s Ten Year Anniversary.

Victoria added:

“I was proud of the children’s behaviour and conduct during the visit. You could see their pride when they discussed the importance of our academy being a School of Sanctuary and our focus to be at the heart of the community we are privileged to serve.”

The academy’s Community Champions also met with the MP and shared updates from their recent events, which included an afternoon tea for neighbouring residents of the academy.

The MP also met the academy’s Reading Ambassadors who told the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland about their work reading to guests of the academy at numerous events, as well as their work encouraging reading across the academy and collecting books for the library.