PUPILS from Westlea Primary School spent a day in Parliament promoting children’s rights to play after winning the Global Spotlight Competition earlier this month.

On July 15, 11 pupils travelled to Westminster to meet South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and deliver their winning presentation on children’s rights as well as take a tour around the Houses Of Parliament.

They then had a question and answer session with the MP about play facilities and how they can be improved in the town.

The visit came after the Year 5 and Year 6 youngsters won the inter-primary school competition hosted by the Wiltshire Global Education Centre , the educational arm of the Marlborough Brandt Group, and funded by the Co-operative Society and Comic Relief.

Deputy headteacher Sarah Sumner, who took the pupils to London, said: “I was so, so proud of them and what they did shows maturity beyond their years.

“It is a passion they can continue to develop in the future and can continue to do next year.

“Going to London and discussing what they’re passionate about is something dreams are made of and an experience they will never forget.”

The children’s presentation focussed on the rights of children to play, not just in school but in the facilities provided by Swindon Borough Council.

Following their discussion Robert urged the group to write to the council about their ideas and what can be done to improve facilities for children across the town.

Mrs Sumner said: “After Robert finished at Prime Minister’s Questions he joined the children in one of the formal committee rooms, when they showed him their presentation.

“What was really impressive was his local knowledge of Swindon and his ability to talk to the children in such an informed way on their level.

“He knew exactly what facilities they were talking about when they talked about them too.

“It was a unique opportunity for them, it’s special enough to go to the Houses Of Parliament but also to meet your MP and talk about what you are passionate about is quite something.

“The best thing about it was it was all their own ideas and their own passions.”

The competition saw teams from Brook Field Primary, Liden Primary, Peatmoor Community School, Oaktree and Westlea primary schools battle it out at The Platform, in Faringdon Road, earlier this month.