Education Today Education Today Magazine
Local MP and Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Gwynne recently visited Manor Green to discuss the context of the school and the local area and learn from children about the environmental improvements.
Last year, Manor Green Primary Academy was successful in its bid for funding to convert a yellow school bus into a sensory hub for the school’s stakeholders and local groups.
During his visit the MP met with Manor Green’s new Principal, Victoria Saville, and members of the Focus Trust Central Team. The team informed him that a total of £700,000 had been invested on improving the school environment since 2017.
The school also revealed that work is due to commence during half term holidays on their new Early Years outdoor area funded through the Trust’s School Condition Allocation.
Pupils at the school expressed their concerns to the MP including regarding litter in the local area and the speed of traffic outside school. The School Council handed Mr Gwynne a letter requesting his support with improved signage and ways to encourage passing traffic to abide by the limit outside school.
He was very impressed that the school Eco Squad are committed to keeping the school grounds in excellent condition. Every one of the 402 children attending Manor Green have planted a sapling and a discussion ensued around the lasting legacy and positive environmental impact this will have in the future.
Andrew Gwynne said: “I had a really lovely visit to Manor Green Academy. I was quizzed by the school council on litter, recycling, clean air, tree planting and much more. It was fantastic to see pupils so engaged on such important issues.
“The School Council have also written a letter to me on a range of issues, including the problem of speeding cars outside the school. I’ll be taking this up with Tameside Council and Greater Manchester Police.
“All in all, it was a really productive and fun morning, and it was great to meet the staff and pupils at Manor Green Academy.”
Victoria Saville, Principal at Manor Green Academy, said: “A huge ambition of mine as the new principal at Manor Green is for the school to be known as a great one.
“I look forward to a close working partnership with Mr Gwynne and I thank him for visiting our school today.”
The visit concluded with a rousing rendition of “We’ve got the Power” sung by the school choir who will be performing at the Young Voices event later this month.
Manor Green Academy forms part of the Focus- Trust – a charitable primary schools trust which is based in the North-West of England and West Yorkshire with a vision of providing great schools at the heart of communities where children thrive, achieve and succeed.