Telford primary school children wow council with application for money to help them go on trips
A parish council meeting burst out in spontaneous applause when three children came along to apply for a grant to help them go on school trips.
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Proud parents and the deputy headteacher watched on as little Lily, Abdul and Lamar made their presentations to Hadley & Leegomery Parish Council.
Samantha Armstrong, deputy head at Hadley Learning Community Primary School, introduced the children to the parish councillors on Tuesday evening’s (February 4) meeting, saying they were applying to the council for £1,000.
Ms Armstrong explained how expensive it was for schools to take children on trips but it was vitally important for them to have life experiences.
Taking children on a school trip to Liverpool costs £1,100 for the coaches alone. Another trip, just down the M54 and A5 to Shrewsbury, sets them back £600.
“Educational visits are very important for schools,” she said. “They help to stimulate curiosity.”
But as costs continue to rise, she added that they do not want to exclude any child whose parents cannot afford to contribute. They also supply breakfasts to the children.
“The grant will help us financially run things,” she added.
But the showstoppers were the three children, with Lily describing the fun they had on trips to Rhyl and Wroxeter, as well as first aid training.
Abdul read some comments from other children and Lamar read out some quotes from teachers explaining what the children had gained.
They were given a rousing round of applause by councillors and members of the public following their presentation at Hadley Community Centre.
Chairman Councillor Eileen Callear, (Labour), told the children: “Thanks for coming along – all applicants should bring the children along!”
Councillor Carol Hughes (Labour), who described herself as an “ancient teacher” said: “Well done. There is nothing more nerve-wracking than speaking in front of other people.”
Councillor Amrik Jhawar (Labour, Vice Chairman) said it would be “money well spent".
Some councillors wondered if they could increase the amount they gave by £500 to £1,500. But they were told that the decision would have to be made on what was on the application form.
They unanimously approved the grant application for £1,000.
