Local Issues

Schools and colleges

I make regular visits to schools and colleges in Bournemouth.  Usually I speak to pupils and students about my work as a Member of Parliament and then we have a question and answer session.  I also have discussions with headteachers and teaching staff about issues that are concerning them.  I am always interested to follow the progress of schools in my constituency and to take a tour of new buildings and facilities.

In return, I organise tours of the Houses of Parliament for schools and colleges and, whenever possible, meet the pupils and students afterwards for a talk.  Tours take about one and a half hours and have to be accompanied by a guide.  They can be booked by contacting me at the House of Commons.  Another popular trip is to climb Big Ben but you have to be fit as there is a considerable number of steps (and no lift!)

Here at some of the schools I have been visiting recently:-

	Oakmead College of Technology During a recent visit, I was very pleased with to see the progress that Oakmead has made over the last few years. When I spoke to students in the Sixth Form, I was most impressed with the perceptive questions that they asked.  I also had discussions with the headteacher, Dr Annetta Minard, about the future funding and operation of Oakmead.
Kings High School Whilst visiting Kings High School, I was very impressed with the new buildings there which have greatly enhanced the school's facilities.  I also spoke to pupils at the school and had discussions with the headteacher and staff regarding their concerns about senior school funding.
	Sure Start I am a great fan of Sure Start and recently visited them at their premises in West Howe as part of National Sure Start Week.  This time I took with me the Shadow Spokesman for Children, Paul Goodman, M.P. and we were also joined by the Deputy Mayor.

Fernheath Play Association

For some time I have been a keen supporter of the Fernheath Play Association and all the splendid work that it carries out in Verney Road, West Howe.  I was recently very honoured to be asked to become a Patron of the Association.

There are currently over 300 children who are registered at Fernheath and some 50 of these have special needs.  Last summer there were 5,000 visits by local children to the play group and the work of Fernheath is an invaluable asset to the community in West Howe.

Local charities have been most generous in paying the capital cost of the new annex which has recently obtained planning consent and the Bournemouth Borough Councilhas also been helpful in providing grants for the wages of the staff.  Nevertheless there is always a need for further money to help with the overall running cost of Fernheath and I have pledged to do my best to assist with this by finding local donors. Recently I had discussions with the Association and made a number of suggestions as to where the Association might look for future funding.