Welton Primary School, in Midsomer Norton, was one of a few schools in the UK to be invited to 10 Downing Street to speak to Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Last Thursday, 30th January, the school took the opportunity to take two of their Year Six pupils, Luke and Lacey, to take part in the ‘Children’s Lobby’ to ask the Prime Minister a question of their choice, based around the theme of ‘Looking to the Future.’

The chance came through Primary Futures, a programme set up through Education and Employers.

John Snell, Headteacher at the school, is an ambassador for Primary Futures, so he is passionate about educating the pupils on their future opportunities. He told The Journal: “I was contacted by Downing Street, to attend the Prime Minister’s Children’s Lobby event with two of my pupils.

“Essentially, Education and Employers is about getting volunteers from the world of work into schools to talk to the children. I am so positive about it and the Primary Futures programme is fabulous, as they are trying to get children to think about their futures.

“Children have good aspirations, so by getting volunteers from the industry into the school, we are broadening their horizons to show them what the future could hold for them.

“We got the children to draw pictures of what they wanted to do when they grow up. Lacey drew herself on stage, saying she wanted to perform, and Luke drew himself as a palaeontologist.”

Mr Snell and fellow teacher, Mrs Hollidge, accompanied the children to 10 Downing Street where they asked their question based on schooling: “How would you feel if you were in state education at this present time – do you think we are being supported enough for the future by the Government?”

Luke spoke to us about his experience: “The Prime Minister was nice, and funny, but he didn’t quite answer our question properly. He answered it by telling us about how much money schools get, particularly secondary schools, but not if we were being supported.

“It was mine and Lacey’s first trip to London on a train so it was really exciting and one of the best bits about the day, as well as seeing the sights in London.

“The trip helped my confidence, as one of the guards spoke to me, and talking to a big group of people did that, too. We met Boris afterwards

to give him the pictures that we had drawn and he shook our hands as we said goodbye.”

Lacey added: “One of the best bits, for me, was the tour of Downing Street, as not a lot of people have been able to see inside. Walking up the stairs was so cool, as it was full of pictures of all the past Prime Ministers.

“When Mr Snell told us that we were going to London to speak to the Prime Minister, I could not believe it, as I had never seen his home before.”

Lacey and Luke, along with children from five other schools, spent an hour with Boris Johnson to ask him their carefully composed and important questions.

Mr Snell said: “We were one of only a few schools that were asked to go, and represented England, alongside schools from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. I felt really proud taking two of my pupils, and watching them be so confident with answering Boris’ questions. It was an incredible educational experience for the children.

“I found it intriguing to hear what Boris had to say in response to Luke and Lacey’s question, especially because of his political opinions on education.”