Secretary of State for Education Visits Broadford Primary

Following their success as being named as the Times Educational Supplement Overall School of the Year, Broadford Primary were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening, who visited yesterday.

Eager to learn more about the approach that has led to the sustained success of the school, Miss Greening observed pupils in maths, topic and phonics lessons. Miss Greening also hosted a Q&A session with Broadford pupils who quizzed her on her career path, how she could help them with their career aspirations and whether school funding changes would limit the offer available to them in future.

Miss Greening was given a quick lesson in how to play the mental maths game 24, which develops the children's fluency with key number facts.

I started Miss Greening off with the one dot cards to help explain the rules. However she quickly picked up the game and even won a couple of rounds. Her maths was pretty good!
Bradley Joy - aged 11

The Secretary of State also took time to talk at length with Learning Federation Governors, the school leadership team of both Broadford & Mead and Paul Wakeling - Headteacher of the Havering Sixth Form College.

At Broadford Primary our vision is to ensure that no child's future is limited by their background. To be able to show Justine Greening the different strategies that we have used to raise aspirations and outcomes for some of Havering's most vulnerable pupils was a real privilege. For the Secretary of State to take the time to talk to teachers, listen to pupils and demonstrate a very clear understanding of some practical ways we can improve our system for the benefit of the most vulnerable was so encouraging.

Malcolm Drakes - Executive Headteacher

Miss Greening's visit followed on from a Skills Summit, which the Department for Education has hosted in the morning in Westminster. The pupils were very pleased to hear about the work of the Government to ensure that big business plays a much more direct and active role in promoting the future of the most vulnerable pupils.

Our Learning Federation has promoted meaningful links with businesses like Bloomberg and PwC. To hear today about the Skills Summit and the DfE efforts to make these links more structured is very positive. To provide a golden thread all the way through a child's education, linking their experiences and lessons to future employment will only aid mobility.
Chris Kent - Chair of Governors

Councillor Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Children’s and Learning Services, said:

“I am very proud that Justine Greening, Secretary of State for Education took time to visit Havering today, and congratulate Broadford primary school on their recent win at the prestigious 2017 Times Educational Supplement (TES) Schools Awards. Head teacher, Malcolm Drakes, and the entire team truly deserve this visit to celebrate their outstanding achievement. Their inspiration, dedication and enthusiasm for education has improved the outcomes for the children who attend Broadford primary school.”