On Monday the 10th December 2007 Mr. Nick Gibb the Shadow Minister for schools visited Gearies Infants School and had a meeting with Mr.Drew, Ms Carter and the School Council members.The School Council children thought of the following quiestions and asked them during his visit.
1. Why are you called the shadow minister? (Do you make shadows)?
I 'shadow' the real minister and make sure he is doing his job properly.
(No he doesn't make shadows! sic)
2. What is your job and do you have a busy life?
I am a Member of Paliament and work on Monday and Tuesdays from 9am to 10pm and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 7pm.
3. Are you a famous person?
Not really but everyone in Bognor Regis (Mr. Gibbs constituency sic) knows who I am becuase I am sometimes on the TV.
4. Do you always have to wear a suit?
Only in the House of Commons but not in my office.
5. Does the shadow minister have to work everyday? Do you have to work as hard as the labour minister for schools?
I work everyday and think we work harder than the labour ministers as we don't have much help from the Civil Service.
6. Do you like your job?
I do but sometimes its a difficult job. I like talking to children like you.
7. Do you have lots of paper work about schools?
Yes I get lots of letters and write back with the help of my secretary.
8. When did you choose your job in schools?
About 4 years ago.
9. Are you friends with the Prime Minister?
No but I do have meetings with him.
10. Have you visited many schools and their school councils?
I've visited more than a 100 in 2 years. I've been to 20 or 30 school council but never with members as young as you.
(Are youngest school council members are 4 years old. sic)
11. Do you think school councils are a good idea?
Yes because it shows responsibility and democracy. Its good practise for when you grow up and vote for things.
12. Can we visit the houses of parliament?
Yes if you write to Lee Scott (our local mp) and aks him.
Mr. Nick Gibbs told us that he enjoyed his visit to our school and made the following comments:
I thouroughly enjoyed my visit to Gearies Infant School. The standard of reading and maths is very high; behaviour is first class and the children are very happy. I met the School Council who aksed a number of questions which I thought were very well informed. Over all I had an enjoyable visit and I hope the school continues to provide a first class education.
