Football trophies presented to local school

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert presented trophies to two school football teams on Friday morning (14 November) during a visit to St Peter’s Primary School in Henfield.

The trophies were won by St Peter's Primary School on 6 November when they took part in the Henfield Festival football tournament alongside five other primary schools from the area.  The school's ‘A' team won the tournament and the ‘B' team were runners-up.

During his visit, Mr Herbert met with Headteacher Nick Phillips and Vice-Chairman of Governors Richard Sweet before being given a tour of the school.

Mr Herbert also took part in a ‘question and answer' session with Year 5 pupils, answering a range of questions about his life in politics and the work of an MP.

In one question, Mr Herbert was asked if he had met anyone "important" during his time as an MP.  Mr Herbert said he had met The Queen last year and confirmed that he had been "on his best behaviour".

St Peter's CE Primary School is a Voluntary Aided school for pupils aged between 4 and 11.  The current school site in Fabians Way was first opened in 1957 but has since been enlarged.

The school has a range of breakfast and after-school clubs, providing activities such as drama, French, gardening, football, netball, karate and juggling.

The school's last OFSTED inspection, in March 2007, found that the school was ‘good' overall.

Nick Phillips commented: "The children, staff and governors were very pleased to welcome Nick Herbert MP to St Peter's, and to be given the opportunity to show him the school at work and play as well as being able to discuss current local issues.  

"Our year 5 pupils really appreciated the question and answer session, especially hearing about Mr Herbert's own school experiences.  Also, having the winning shields presented by a Member of Parliament to the football teams made their achievement even more special."

Nick Herbert commented: "I really enjoyed my visit to St Peter's Primary School in Henfield.  I always find it useful to discuss current issues facing schools with heads and governors, and it was certainly a challenge to be questioned by the pupils!

"I was particularly impressed with the school's sporting success, and I hope they continue to do well.  Having good sports facilities and the commitment of schools and staff to coach young children is so important, and it was good to see."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For the website of St Peter's Primary School, visit http://www.st-peters-henfield.w-sussex.sch.uk/

2. For a copy of the last OFSTED inspection report, visit http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/82389/(as)/126028_293440.pdf