Prime Minister Theresa May escaped her Brexit whirl – only to be quizzed on it by pupils at a school she praised for being “impressive”.
The children’s probing questions were followed by a meeting where Mrs May listened to concerns about future funding for the school, St Nicholas Primary at Hurst.
The school said it has already had to cut back on teaching assistants’ time in classrooms.
This year, like many other schools, St Nicholas is relying on donations. Hurst Show and Country Fayre gave £10,000 to help pay for special needs teaching assistants. Hurst Parish Council is paying for painting and decorating. The PTA has bought classroom screens and books.
Headteacher Debs McGrail revealed that donors to the school’s wide-ranging funds appeal included former Sonning resident and illusionist spoon bender Uri Geller and television broadcaster Chris Tarrant.
High security meant parents and children at the school’s celebration assembly last Friday had no warning of Mrs May’s visit to present awards.
But the children proved to be news-aware when invited to ask her questions.
Harry, nine, asked how Mrs May thought Brexit was going.
Headteacher Debs McGrail said afterwards: “She said she was working very hard to get the very best for our country and wouldn’t stop until she had.”
When Mateo, 10, asked if her job was stressful Mrs May replied: “I think most jobs are stressful.”
She was also asked if she went on holiday. Mrs May said she loved her holidays when she did get away, reported Miss McGrail.
The Prime Minister presented eight children with Gold Awards for good work and behaviour. They were: Violet, five, Elliot, seven, Grace, seven, Bram, eight, Jake, seven, Millie, five, Ayla, ten and Rebecca, eight.
Teigan, seven, and Isabelle, four, presented her with cookies they made at school. Mrs May also received a mug marking the school’s 200th birthday this year.
Miss McGrail said: “It was a real honour to have Mrs May visiting the school and talking to the children. They were so excited and loved having her here.”
Mrs May praised the “impressive” school on Twitter afterwards.
Governors chair Mike Jackson met Mrs May along with Miss McGrail and PTA chair Mike Rand for a discussion about the school.
“We pointed out the financial challenges we face in continuing to run the school at the highest standards,” said Mr Jackson.
“From what we understand about possible future funding and potential cost increases it will be very challenging in 18-24 months’ time.
“The school is becoming more and more reliant on the generosity of parents, local people and others. There are no guarantees of that in the future. ”
Miss McGrail said that despite the funding pressures, the school had received its best ever Year 1 phonics and Early Years and Foundation Stage screening results.
“Everyone worked incredibly hard. The school is actually going from strength to strength,” she added.
