Labour MP for Sunderland, Julie Elliott, visited Diamond Hall Junior Academy last week in response to almost 30 letters from enthusiastic pupils.
The pupils wrote to Mrs Elliott with concerns about litter and fly-tipping in their local environment, in the hope of getting a response back from the top. Little did they know that Mrs Elliott would end up visiting the school to discuss the matter in person.
After meeting with the Rights Respecting School Steering Group to hear about the work they had done to gain Level 1 of UNICEFs ‘Rights Respecting School Award’, Mrs Elliott met with class 4DG and their teacher, Mr Guthrie, to discuss the hot topic that had drawn her to school.
Mrs Elliott listened carefully to the children’s worries about litter and took the time to answer a question from every pupil. She also explained how she became an MP and how proud and special she feels to serve the country and her constituency of Sunderland Central.
After admiring an art and writing installation on British politics, including an incredible replica of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament built by pupils, Mrs Elliot left with a memento of the day, a drawing by Lilly in Year 6.
Kim Bennett, Executive Headteacher at Diamond Hall Junior Academy, said: “It was fantastic to have Julie in school today. Our pupils have listened intently to what she had to say, giving them a real insight into political life and the democratic process. What is most heartening is that, in line with our Rights Respecting ethos, pupil voice has been listened to, and their concerns over litter have been heard thanks to the positive action they took.”