Witham MP Priti Patel has visited Woodham Walter Primary Academy to donate books from this year’s Get Witham Reading campaign, see the school’s new facilities and learn more about its approach to inclusive education.
During the visit, Priti delivered a selection of books from Get Witham Reading 2026 for pupils to enjoy and add to the school’s reading resources. Get Witham Reading brings together schools, families and the wider community each year to encourage children to enjoy books and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Priti also visited the Academy’s new Rainbow Room and reception classroom, which opened in June, and heard more about how the school supports pupils through its focus on SEND, wellbeing, adaptive teaching and creating a strong sense of belonging.
The visit provided an opportunity to see how the school works to ensure every child is known, valued and supported as an individual, and how its inclusive approach is embedded across everyday school life.
Speaking following the visit, Priti Patel MP said:
“I enjoyed visiting Woodham Walter Primary Academy and bring along some books from Get Witham Reading for the children to enjoy.
“Reading is such an important part of a child’s education and development and Get Witham Reading is all about inspiring our young people to discover new books, use their imaginations and develop a lifelong love of reading.
“It was also wonderful to see the new Rainbow Room and reception classroom and hear more about the school’s strong focus on inclusion, SEND, wellbeing and ensuring every child feels supported and able to thrive.
“Our local schools do tremendous work supporting children and giving them the best possible start in life. I will continue to champion our schools, teachers and pupils across the Witham constituency.”
Commenting after the visit, Mrs Dennis, Headteacher at Woodham Walter Primary Academy, said:
“It was lovely to welcome Priti Patel to Woodham Walter and to have the opportunity to share with her our approach to inclusive practice. We are incredibly proud of the work we do to ensure that every child is known, valued and supported to flourish, and it was a pleasure to showcase some of the ways in which our inclusive ethos is embedded in everyday school life.”
