Justin Tomlinson welcomed Schools Minister, David Laws MP, to Swindon to showcase one of the Town's most remarkable schools.
Justin first visited Seven Fields Primary School in Penhill in 2011 and was so impressed that he immediately invited the Minister to come and see the incredible difference that the schools makes to the lives of its pupils.
Seven Fields is special because the odds are so against it. 100% of its pupils are classified as living in poverty and children enter nursery typically 12 months behind the average for their age group. It is also special because the outcomes are so impressive.
The school is the master of early intervention. Its two community rooms run sessions for babies, toddlers and their mothers twice a week. Here, the children have early contact with paediatricians and play specialists whilst the parents get the parenting support many need. This is key in closing the gap. Children may enter nursery lagging far behind the national average, but by the time they hit KS1 they have caught up.
The education at Seven Fields is one that tackles not just the academic challenges the children face, but the social ones too. The children build real independence, a respect for, and relationship with, the local community. Volunteers from the Penhill Luncheon Club come to read with children to help get them reading on their own. The children have been out with the local Housing Wardens, helping to spot graffiti and other problems in their community.
Justin Tomlinson MP said "I first visited Seven Fields in 2011 and was just bowled over by pretty much everything about it. From the stories Zita, the Head, tells about when the children first arrive at the school, to the intelligent well rounded citizens that leave, it is just incredible.
"I talked to the children about what they wanted to be when they grew up. Their ambitions ranged from lawyers to teachers to dentists, ambitions that drew upon a confidence and independence that the school has encouraged in them. This is what I brought the Minister to see, this is what Swindon should be proud of."
David Laws MP said “I was keen to learn how Seven Fields achieved such a strong turnaround in their fortunes. They went from being a school in special measures to being an outstanding academy – a fantastic achievement and one that many schools can learn from.
“I am particularly impressed that Seven Fields uses its freedoms as an academy to work with other schools locally, resulting in positive outcomes for all concerned. I was impressed by their use of the pupil premium to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils. It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit.”
