A Wakefield-based secondary academy welcomed it’s local MP to the site to discuss the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Imran Ahmad Khan MP visited Outwood Academy City Fields for a socially distanced tour of the academy to see the safety measures that have been put in place to ensure the health of its students and staff.

While at the Warmfield View-based secondary academy, the Wakefield MP was also able to speak with some of the children of critical workers and those vulnerable students that attend Outwood Academy City Fields.

Michelle Colledge-Smith, Principal at Outwood Academy City Fields, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Mr Khan to our academy to discuss the changes that are taking place due to the ongoing pandemic.

“It was good to see our students engaging with our local MP, and I think they really appreciated the time he spent with them listening to their experiences and the experiences of their parents or carers during lockdown.

“We are grateful to him visiting us and also for the heartfelt stories he shared with our staff and students about his experiences.”

After visiting the academy, Mr Khan MP said: “It was great to visit Outwood City Fields to see how their school is changing to accommodate new social distancing guidelines, and to meet some of their pupils and teachers.

“I was impressed with how the school has adapted to cater for its students in this time of real national emergency, and offer a fantastic education. The students were enjoying school life, and were well engaged with the staff.

“The return to education is vital for our young people’s future and wellbeing.”

Some of the academy’s year 10 students held a socially distant discussion with the MP. Mr Khan heard about how the students had found returning to the academy post-lockdown and also asked them about their aspirations for the future.

Michelle added:

“At Outwood we believe in putting students first, to raise standards and transform lives. We want to ensure all our students can fulfil their potential and feel inspired, and we believe meeting local authority figures, like Mr Khan MP, helps us to achieve this aim.”