Ashburton pupils quiz local MP during Christmas visit to Dartmoor primary school

Pupils at Ashburton Primary School were given a visit from their local MP recently as Sir Mel Stride joined Christmas celebrations and took questions from the School Council.

The MP for Central Devon, and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, spent time at the school meeting staff and pupils, observing part of the Christmas performance and speaking with members of the School Council.

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During the visit, Sir Mel toured several classrooms and spoke to pupils about their work. 

Children also told him about the school’s busy Christmas programme and plans for new playground equipment that is due to be installed.

Sir Mel later took part in a “Question Time” session with the School Council, where pupils asked questions about his role locally and nationally.

“It was wonderful to visit Ashburton Primary today and witness firsthand the enthusiasm of the pupils. I appreciated the opportunity to hear more about the school’s work and support for the community,” Sir Mel said.

Deputy Headteacher Annette Layland said the visit was welcomed by staff and pupils:

“We were pleased to welcome Sir Mel to the school. Our team is working hard to support all pupils, and it meant a great deal for the children to share their work with their local MP.”

The school later shared details of the visit on social media, saying pupils enjoyed showing Sir Mel around classrooms, taking part in the question session and celebrating festive activities taking place in the final weeks of term.

The school visit follows other recent engagements by Sir Mel Stride in Ashburton. 

Earlier this month, The Moorlander reported on Sir Mel’s visit to E & JW Glendinning, a long-established local quarrying and construction materials business.

During that visit, company representatives raised concerns about falling demand in the construction sector, rising operating costs and the impact of regulation and National Insurance changes on employers.

Sir Mel said the discussion highlighted the pressures facing the industry, while the company said engagement with policymakers was important during what it described as a challenging economic period.

The visits form part of Sir Mel Stride’s ongoing constituency work across Central Devon, meeting schools, businesses and community organisations in the run-up to Christmas.