St John's Infant School in Glastonbury threw open its gates to welcome local MP Sarah Dyke on Friday 11 July, as she toured classrooms, outdoor spaces and met with head teacher Kerry Devane, staff and pupils.

Describing the visit as "splendid", the Glastonbury and Somerton MP praised the school's atmosphere, leadership and sense of community — calling it "a happy and thriving school set in the very heart of the town".

Her visit came on what she described as a "dazzling summer's afternoon", and included time spent chatting with pupils and exploring the school's outdoor learning areas.

"It was a joy to encounter so many smiling young faces, enthusiastically living up to their school motto, 'Let Your Light Shine!'" she said.

Ms Dyke also used the visit to acknowledge the pressures facing schools across the constituency, from stretched budgets to safeguarding and urban issues — and praised St John's staff for their resilience and determination.

"Many schools in our area face a variety of challenges day-to-day, from fighting for sufficient central government funding to navigating urban issues and ensuring exemplary safeguarding practice," she said.

"I was delighted to see Kerry Devane and her hard-working staff meeting these challenges head-on with positivity and determination, to continue the school's legacy of producing happy, curious, well-adjusted young citizens."

St John's sits at the heart of Glastonbury and has been praised by parents for its focus on pastoral care and creativity. The visit was part of Ms Dyke's ongoing tour of local schools across the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency.

advertisement