Sir Bernard Jenkin listens to Wivenhoe head's concerns

It follows Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin paying a visit to Broomgrove Junior School in Wivenhoe.

Sir Bernard met with headteacher Karen Wright and her senior staff before addressing pupils during an assembly.

Mrs Wright said she told the MP about challenges relating to school funding and finances, as well as the expectations of mainstream schools meeting the needs of children with extra needs.

Insight - Sir Bernard Jenkin addressed pupils at Broomgrove Junior School during an assembly (Image: Broomgrove Junior School)

Furry friend - Sir Bernard even got to meet school dog Woody during his visit (Image: Broomgrove Junior School)

She also spoke about headteacher wellbeing and a “crisis” of staff recruitment and retention.

“Sir Bernard listened intently and asked many valid and probing questions to gather a clear picture of the current climate in the primary education sector,” said the headteacher.

"I am very grateful to Sir Bernard for finding the time to visit our school and he took on board everything we said.

“Being listened to by a member of Parliament, I feel my voice has been heard and I spoke on behalf of other schools as well as my own."

The MP said he will feed what he was told back to the Secretary of State for Education and Essex County Council.