Highland school at Number 10
Pupils from a Highland primary school got the chance to see democracy in action when they visited 10 Downing Street and the House of Commons last Friday (20 June).
The group from Cauldeen Primary School in Inverness had been invited as part of the Lessons at 10 project, an initiative run by the Prime Minister’s office to inspire children from across the UK by bringing them into Downing Street for a unique class experience.
The mission behind the project is to break down barriers and ensure all children get the best start in life.
School head teacher Allison Howie said: “We were invited as part of Lessons at 10 to give children the opportunity to participate in learning about the history of politics in the UK and gain a wider understanding of how our parliamentary system works.
“The children were given a tour of Number 10, seeing its artefacts and learning about the history of the building, the people who use it and what happens there day-to-day.
They were then invited to have lunch in the garden where they met with the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
The PM took time to meet and speak to the children, asking them what they had learned about the building, what they would change in the country and what they were doing for the remainder of the visit.”
It proved to be a very busy and topical day in parliament, with many MPs in attendance due to the debate and vote on the Assisted Dying Bill.
When at Westminster, the pupils got to witness the various aspects of debate in action – including the protests, the press pack and the ringing of the division bells to signal the vote.
The school had been invited by Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, who met and chatted with the group during what was an informative and insightful visit to the corridors of power.
Head teacher Mrs Howie added: “Our Cauldeen children were beautifully behaved and an absolute credit to themselves and their school. They asked some fantastic questions, and it was wonderful to hear their thoughts and questions throughout the day, reminding us all why we do the job we do.
“What a day, what an experience.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who was involved in organising the day in London, which all went without a hitch.”