Richard Holden MP caught up with Jill and the team at Villa Real School in Consett.
Villa Real School does a lot for some of our children and young people with additional needs. Richard enjoyed being back after visiting last year to give the prize to the winner of his Christmas Card Competition 2021.
Richard comments that:
"We are lucky to have such a good school for pupils with additional needs so centrally located."
"I was really delighted to be taken round by Headteacher Jill Bowe, who clearly has a real passion for helping the young people in her care and was glad to be joined by Councillors Ted Henderson and Alan Shield from Durham County Council and meet some of the children and young people being taught and cared for there and the staff.
"Although the staff and teaching are really good, the building just isn't up to scratch, certainly not for the needs of the young people there. Originally designed for 35 pupils and added to over the years it now has over 100 pupils. The Council are currently looking at plans for the future to help improve the facilities available and I'll be pushing them to do so and help where I can and keeping in touch with Jill and the team to that end."