Steve Brine dropped into Perins school in Alresford on Friday 22nd June and student numbers, budgets and safe crossings were on the agenda.
The Winchester & Alresford MP met with Executive Headteacher, Steve Jones, alongside Chair of Trustees, Alison Mayne, and was updated on the growth of the school as well as the demand to get in. Mr Brine was given information on the current tight budget situation and briefed on ambitious plans to create a dedicated new facility to help emotionally challenged pupils stay in full-time education.
Also up for discussion was the current hot topic of mobile phone use in schools – the Education Secretary recently spoke of his wish to see a total ban – and the MP heard of the phone 'spots' in operation at the school on Pound Hill in the centre of Alresford. They allow for limited and restricted use of phones by students during official break periods and in certain classes to assist with learning.
Steve said: "Perins is an exceptional school and, by the sounds of it, more popular than ever with parents. The rounded education they are determined to give students, despite significant budget pressures, is impressive to see and has to be right. It was good also to get a tour of the school site and seesome of the new additions since I last visited.
"I was especially interested to hear about plans for this year's school production, Beauty and the Beast, which is set to be quite a spectacle situated in the school grounds inside a big top tent."
Executive Headteacher Steve Jones added: "We are determined that all our students, at Perins and at Sun Hill Junior School, benefit from the widest possible range of academic and extra-curricular activities and facilities to support their academic progress, the fulfilling of each individual's potential and the development of confidence and mental resilience. Despite reductions in funding and the fact that Hampshire does extremely poorly under the National Funding Formula, we will continue to develop the broadest possible range of options backed up by strong pastoral services."
The visit also saw discussion around school hopes for a more formal safe crossing point across Pound Hill from the site to Arlebury Park. Steve Brine agreed to work with Perins, the Town Council and the Town Trustees to persuade Hampshire County Council of the need for improvements.
Pictured; Steve Brine MP with headteacher Steve Jones.
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