Boris Johnson makes surprise visit to Beechfield School

Watford MP Dean Russell invited the Prime Minister to the Watford primary school to show him an example of a school that remained open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Across Watford and the UK, many children are returning back to school after the school holidays, and some for the first time since lockdown was introduced.

At Beechfield School, reception children were greeted by the prime minister and sat down for circle time to tell him their name and favourite animal.

Year 1 children at the school were treated to a special reading of the book ‘Not a Stick’.

Boris Johnson read out a book to Year 1 children

Eddie, a student from Year 1, said: “Boris Johnson was good at reading the story but not as good as my teacher. I thought we were being called out for a sporting activity; I couldn’t believe it was the Prime Minister I thought no way! I felt really privileged that he came to our school’.”

Mr Johnson then addressed the whole school in the playground, where he thanked teachers for their hard work and gave words of encouragements to the students.

Mr Russell said: “Beechfield School has done an inspiring job throughout Covid-19 supporting local children and parents. Their headteacher, Mrs Jackson, has an incredible passion for the wellbeing and development of every child that comes through the school gates each morning. I was delighted to bring the prime minister to this brilliant school, and I want to thank all the staff for their tremendous efforts over these last few months.”

Boris Johnson (left) and Dean Russell (right)

Gillian Jackson, the headteacher at the school, thanked staffs’ dedication and commitment during the pandemic.

She said: “It has been a fantastic morning for all of the children and staff at Beechfield. It’s not every day you get to say that you have had the Prime Minster reading you a story or joining in with your lesson.

“I was very proud to show the Prime Minister our wonderful school and our amazing children.  I want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their dedication and commitment to our school.”

James Roach, CEO of the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, said: :  “The fact that Beechfield has been chosen by Dean Russell, the MP for Watford, recognises the dedication that the staff at Beechfield have shown throughout the lockdown period.  

“It was a great opportunity to talk with the Prime Minister today about the wonderful work that has been going on to support the families and children in our community. We were also given the opportunity to discuss the adaptations needed in reopening schools in the current climate and the challenges we face in education generally at this time.”