PUPILS and staff at a primary school in Penhill impressed the Minister of State for Schools when he visited yesterday.

Minister David Laws was invited to visit Seven Fields Primary School by North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, after he was impressed by the school’s academic achievement and holistic approach to learning.

Mr Laws said: “I was keen to learn how Seven Fields achieved such a strong turnaround in their fortunes.

“They went from being a school in special measures to being an outstanding academy – a fantastic achievement.

“I am particularly impressed that Seven Fields uses its freedom as an academy to work with other schools locally, resulting in positive outcomes for all. I was impressed by their use of the pupil premium to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.”

Mr Laws took a tour of the school, and spoke with Zita McCormick, headteacher, along with other headteachers from the area about their strategic development plans.

Mrs McCormick said: “Not a lot of headteachers have the opportunity to have tea and cake with the Schools Minister.

“I think he is an absolutely charming man and he seemed so well informed about issues that are really important to headteachers.

“He asked us really key strategic questions and it was an opportunity for us to have key discussions with the people who shape policy.

“We are so grateful for the work Justin does for the school. It helps that he lives in the area and knows people in the community.”

Mr Tomlinson set up the visit after the school impressed him on his first visit in 2011.

He said: “I just wanted to bring the Schools Minister so he could see in person how fantastic Seven Fields is. They are doing some incredibly innovative things which have completely transformed the school.”

All of the school’s 293 pupils are classed as living in poverty, with 70 per cent qualifying for free school meals and the pupil premium scheme, which provides an extra £488 for every child eligible for free school meals.

The school begins working with children and parents right from birth.

It runs sessions for babies, toddlers and their mothers twice a week, enabling contact with paediatricians and play specialists while parents can get support they need, and uses the pupil premium to fund free school meals for children who are not eligible but would benefit from the service.

To find out more about Seven Fields visit: www.sevenfields.swindon.sch.uk/index.asp.