After a welcome by the Head Teacher Fiona Craig, it was down to students at the school to organise Maria’s visit. Her first meeting was with four students who had written to her asking for support for their campaign to make Heather Way safer for bicycle users.  Maria told Ellie Draper, Molly Johnston, Holly Furner and Ellie Pope, all Year 6 pupils, that she had written to Hampshire County Council on their behalf to ask what improvements can be made.

Maria then had a meeting with members of the School’s Eco Council, and heard about what they are doing to encourage recycling, and also their plans to do composting at the school.  Maria was very pleased to be able to see the School’s newly restored pond, which it is hoped will attract a wide variety of insects.

Maria also met members of the School Council. She answered questions from them about her work as a Member of Parliament and Minister for Disabled People, and also heard from them about their concerns about renewable energy, noise pollution and litter.

Maria said: “I had a really full visit to Kempshott Junior School, and was very glad to be able to meet so many of the students at the School. It was particularly interesting to meet members of the Eco Council, and hear about the work they are doing to get more people recycling. This is very important and I applaud them for their enthusiasm.”