Karen Bradley

ONE of my favourite things about being an MP is visiting our amazing schools and colleges. But of course, such visits have been in short supply over the last few months, so it was lovely to be able to go in person to Horton Lodge Community Special School to see all the improvements they have had over the summer.

I am a strong supporter of Horton Lodge and have raised their concerns about funding for residential education provision in Parliament. I know how committed everyone is to the school and how they want to make sure there is money to provide the best education possible.

Horton Lodge is a very special school in a very special part of the Moorlands, with unique needs. The improvements, such as new driveway and upgraded bedrooms, make time spent at the school so much more comfortable for the children.

It was really lovely to see the refurbished bedrooms with their new curtains and carpets in the Kiplings department and to hear from the children just how excited they are with their bright, new bedrooms. Being able to offer residential education is an incredibly important part of what the school does and makes an incredible difference to all the families that use the school.

I have spoken about our schools many times in Parliament and when meeting ministers. I am very keen to show Horton Lodge, so am very pleased that Vicky Ford, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families has agreed to join me in a virtual visit to the school.

We need the right amount of funding so Horton Lodge can continue to thrive and offer fantastic care.