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Prime Minister Gordon Brown with pupils at Tollgate Primary School
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TOLLGATE Primary School in Barclay Road, Plaistow received a surprise visit from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and three Government ministers yesterday (November 7).
He met pupils and staff before being shown around the new children's centre that provides early learning facilities for pre-school children and services to parents.
Also attending were Children's Minister Beverley Hughes, Minister for Women Harriet Harman and Employment Minister Pat McFadden.
Head teacher Tom Canning gave the VIPs a tour of the centre, accompanied by Newham's executive member for children and young people Councillor Quintin Peppiatt and West Ham MP Lyn Brown.
The Prime Minister chatted with children and discussed with their parents how the centre provides them with the opportunity to return to work or training.
The visit ended with the school choir performing the Olympics song and Every Child has the Right, which were written by them.
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Tom Canning said: "It was an honour to be visited by the Prime Minister and the ministers, and a pleasure to show them around our new children's centre.
"We offer flexible childcare services that are available from 8am to 6pm, 51 weeks a year. These include parents support groups, baby clinics and dietary advice. We also offer pre-school day care provisions through an innovative partnership with Chestnut Nurseries.
"In addition, parents can gain access to an employment and training adviser who holds sessions at the children's centre and those with English as a second language can also attend sessions there.
"The children benefit not only from being able to socialise with other children at an early age but in many cases, they are able to start school being able to speak English.
"To provide all of these services in one place and at a school is unique and very much appreciated by parents."
Councillor Peppiatt said: "Tom Canning and his team have introduced some highly innovative and successful measures which allow parents who want to return to work being able to do so.
"The extensive support that parents and children receive is outstanding and no doubt it is this approach that attracted the Prime Minister and three ministers to visit the school."
The Prime Minister's visit comes on the day the Department for Children, Schools and Families announced a £340 million cash injection to help local authorities extend free nursery education from 12.5 to 15 hours per week.
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