Graham was welcomed by one of Beverley and Holderness’s smallest schools: the 29-pupil Easington Primary School to see how the rural children of south eastern Holderness are served.
Easington Primary School, led by Mrs Gill Pepper, was rated ‘Needs Improvement’ in 2022 but has made many changes to receive a ‘Good’ rating in December 2024.
Graham met the two classes, ‘Hedgehogs’ (from Nursery to Year 2) and ‘Foxes’ (Years 3 to 6) and took questions from the children, who had prepared for Graham’s arrival with numerous questions about the Palace of Westminster, especially Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower, from the Hedgehogs while the Foxes quizzed Graham on how governments decide which laws to make.
Graham was very impressed with the pupils, describing the children as ‘the best informed ever’ and has sent certificates to all pupils in the school.
Graham was shown the classrooms and the playground, where he took particular interest in the Mud Kitchen.
In a tour of the school’s extensive grounds, Graham challenged some Foxes to a race, though he was roundly beaten not just once but twice.
One Fox, who revelled in asking questions of Graham and showing him around the school, said ‘This was the best day of my life’ (though Graham quipped it may have been down to beating the long-serving MP in a race).
Graham was shown the tree plantation of 162 trees, done by the children themselves. The children have Forest School lessons twice a week and were eager to show the MP their knowledge of the natural world.
Easington is one of many schools Graham has visited, including Inmans Primary School in Hedon, Patrington Primary School, Withernsea High School, Beverley Sixth Form and Swinemoor Primary School this academic year.
Graham has long been a strong advocate for Special Educational Needs and Disability education since his time as Chairman of the House of Commons Education Select Committee. He has recently launched a campaign, Fair Funding, to pressure the government to increase the East Riding’s funding for SEND from £968 per pupil, the lowest in the country. If the East Riding were funded at the same level as Hull, children with SEND would be funded to the tune of an extra £300 per pupil. Graham is working with Charlie Dewhirst MP (Bridlington and the Wolds) and Cllr Victoria Atkins (East Riding Cabinet Member for Education).
Residents can express their interest at www.grahamstuart.com/FairFunding.
Graham said, “When I left Easington Primary I couldn’t get the idea out of my head that this was among the happiest schools I’ve ever seen.
“With small class sizes, an enormous site with plenty of space for sport and play and engaged teachers with a super leader in Gill Pepper, with inspirational teachers like Mrs Groves and Mr Carrick, I think Easington pupils are some of the luckiest in England.
“It’s not easy running a small school but Easington does it with aplomb, giving the children of Easington a simply fantastic start in life.”
Gill Pepper, Head Teacher, said, “Graham last visited our school in 2022 and it was great to showcase how the school has moved forward in this time. We are proud of the Easington team who have worked so hard to get the long awaited OFSTED approval, the children of Easington deserve the best.”
Cllr Sean McMaster, South East Holderness said, “It was a great pleasure to visit Easington Primary School with Graham and speak to the children about my role as a Councillor.
It was also great to be shown the amazing tree planting project the school have recently undertaken”.
