Speaking after the visit, the DUP representative said:

“The responsibility of educating a child is a huge privilege, and we are so fortunate to have so many wonderful schools across Upper Bann providing a first class learning experience for our children and young people.

It was a pleasure to call into Millington Primary School today and to meet with Mrs Murray and Mrs Taylor. Millington is one of our larger local Primary Schools, with around 650 kids in attendance. That brings with it a wide range of individual needs and I was amazed to learn how the school is doing so much to help every child reach their potential.

We discussed the ongoing funding pressures facing education at the moment and how this is causing ongoing problems to schools, exacerbated by the increasing running costs also facing schools. In terms of specific issues, we also discussed the future of the Engage programme, and how this intervention has been key to helping children get that little bit of extra help to progress. It is vital that this kind of initiative continues.

Of course it was lovely also to meet the children and to see just so many happy faces. That is the best endorsement for any school – if the children are happy.

I wish everyone at Millington well for the remainder of the academic year and can assure the school of my ongoing support for all local schools in Upper Bann.”