Sutton school welcomes Ashfield MP and former pupil as it officially joins Transform Trust family

Mr Anderson was joined by Rebecca Meredith, trust chief executive officer, for a meet and greet with the pupil leadership team and a tour of the Barker Street school, led by head boy Zachary Haslam and head girl Isobelle Housley.

Mr Anderson was presented with a pupil-made card which chartered the journey of the school and its progress.

Following a tour of the classrooms, a group of children from Years 3 and 6 who were selected by their particular interest in politics, invited Mr Anderson for their own version of Question Time.

Ruby Grey, Woodland View headteacher, said: “We love to welcome visitors from our community here at Woodland View, our children really love to show off their school and their learning and are interested to meet new people and are confident in finding out about them.

“It’s also a privilege to be able to share this special transition for our school with Lee, particularly as he has a very special connection with the school.

“We are one big family here and that is the sense that prevails.

"We look forward to achieving great things together and to not only fulfilling but exceeding our potential.”

Mr Anderson said: “This is a really great school. It’s always a pleasure to come back to Woodland View Primary School as it used to be my old school, though it was called John Davis back then.

"It’s got a really special place in my heart. Listening to the children and the staff it looks like it’s definitely got a rosy future ahead, but I will be back to keep a check as these children deserve the very best, although I’m sure the staff and Trust will deliver that to them.”

Ms Meredith said: “You only have to step inside the gates of this school and you know that the children are getting something special.

“From the display boards in the public spaces and the engaging classrooms to the general buzz of energy around the school, it really is a wonderful learning environment.”