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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Joseph Locker

Gedling MP Tom Randall calls for 'investigation' after pupils wrote letter condemning Boris Johnson

An MP in Nottinghamshire has called for an investigation into a school which tasked children with writing a letter condemning Boris Johnson.

Welbeck Primary School in the Meadows hit the national headlines after the school posted pictures on Twitter of Year 6 pupils writing a letter concerning the parties at Downing Street.

The Prime Minister has been at the centre of the partygate scandal following a number of reports.

Children were tasked with writing a letter, addressed to Nottingham South's Labour MP, Lilian Greenwood. It expressed that they feel "infuriated and enraged" and that Mr Johnson should resign.

It prompted outrage at the time.

During a debate in the House of Commons on February 10 Tom Randall, who represents Gedling for the Conservatives, called for an investigation.

He said: "There is understandable public interest in the allegations of gatherings at Downing Street, but does my right honourable friend share my concern about this subject has been taught recently at Welbeck Primary School in Nottingham.

"According to the school's own tweet about the lesson, children appear to have been taught the allegations as fact and they also appear to have been taught, Mr Speaker, that you have been biased with no alternative view given.

"I have written to the Education Secretary to ask him to investigate whether the headteacher's duty of impartiality under the Education Act 1996 has been breached."

Mark Spencer, the new leader of the House who represents the Sherwood constituency, replied: "I think the right honourable gentleman raises a very important issue.

"Education in our democratic processes and democratic establishments is a very important part of young people learning how our democracy works but they have to be taught with sensitivity and it has to be taught without political bias and any suggestion there is political bias is quite unfortunate."

The tweet has since been deleted along with the school's Twitter account, with the headteacher, Rebecca Gittins stating this was because it had received a number of "abusive" responses.

Responding to concern at the time she told Nottinghamshire Live: "As part of a democracy topic, the Year 6 class has been looking closely at national politics, our leaders and decision-makers, while discussing fact and opinions.

“There is no ‘teaching’ of politics. We explain processes and structure, with the children encouraged to express their thoughts.

“Year Six pupils watched recent coverage on Newsround about Downing Street and some of them asked to write to their local MP to share their views. This lesson was linked to the English curriculum where children constructed letters using their skills to form arguments, assess evidence and develop their critical thinking."

The school was also backed-up by the leader of Nottingham City Council, councillor David Mellen, and Ms Greenwood, who said it had an "outstanding" reputation.

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