Exeter primary school thrilled to welcome MP for an event

Wynstream Primary School, part of Education South West, invited Steve Race MP to formally open its new library extension on October 25.

The school's 45-member choir, led by Miss Passfield, warmly welcomed Mr Race with a performance.

Mr Race opening the school's new library extension (Image: supplied)

One attendee was so impressed, they commented: "Simply the best school choir I have heard in 35 years in education."

During his visit, Mr Race was shown around the new library by the school's librarians, led by Mrs Regan.

They discussed the crucial role of books and reading in the school's curriculum.

The newly elected school council also had the chance to talk with the MP about his roles and the election process.

Some council members then gave Mr Race a tour of the school.

The visit concluded with Mr Race joining Year 6 students and staff for a school lunch.

This year, Wynstream saw a 5 per cent increase in its overall phonics check score, with 75 per cent of children passing the check.

For students who have been with the school since the beginning, the pass score was 88 per cent.

Impressively, 31 per cent of children scored the full 40 marks this year, compared to just 3 per cent last year.

Mr Race said: "I had a fantastic time meeting pupils at Wynstream Primary School.

"The school was calm but happy, and many of the children were confident and articulate, excitable but always polite.

"There’s clearly a lot of very good work going on there."

The MP enjoyed a delicious lunch at the school (Image: supplied)

He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the challenges in primary education, including the need for support to ensure children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can get a good education by staying in mainstream schools.

Elise Redman, headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said: "Reading is one of the key areas of focus for our school.

"As evidence shows, reading improves the life chances for every child so investing in books and fostering a love of reading is of paramount importance to all at Wynstream.

"We are so grateful to Mr Race for coming along and opening our new library extension, it was great for him to meet some of our pupils and to be able to show him how proud they are of their school."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: "Many thanks to Mr Race for taking the time to come and visit Wynstream and to the council localities fund, the Topinambour Trust and the Angela Gallagher Memorial Fund, as well as the local community, all of whom helped to fund the newly extended library.

"It’s brilliant that the children now have an even bigger space in which to enjoy reading.

"I know from the school’s excellent phonics checks results this year just how much effort Wynstream staff have put into ensuring that children have a great start when it comes to understanding the importance of reading."