Michael visited Chadsmead Primary School in Lichfield yesterday (Friday 26th November) and was so impressed he ended up phoning Nick Gibb, the Schools Minister, immediately afterwards.

"I’ve not done that before" says Michael. "Although it was a Friday evening and Nick was driving up to London back from his constituency for weekends meetings, I just had to tell him how impressed I was with the School. It has won an ‘Outstanding’ category in its Ofsted Report and visiting the School I could see why. The Head Teacher, Lester Davies, is hugely impressive as is the motivation and ability of the teaching staff. But most impressive of all are the children – not all of whom come from the easiest of family backgrounds.

"I know the School is interested in gaining Academy status for the benefit of the children, but financial questions have still not all been answered by the Department for Education. I asked the Minister to cut through the red tape and see if he can facilitate answers and guide the School to Academy status. It will be great to have an Academy Primary School in Lichfield. It will strengthen the School still further."

Photographs show Michael Fabricant with Head Teacher Lester Davies (back row left) in a computer class and Michael having his finger prints taken by Archie Allport (wearing the police helmet) while Xander Webb, Lauren Mace, and Abbie Brown – all aged 3 – all watch on.