West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin joined teachers, parents and governors helping to celebrate the confirmation of Welland Primary School to academy status. And the MP led celebrations at the school last week as the school formally joined the Hanley and Upton Educational Trust. Harriett toured the school, chatted to pupils, parents and governors and also unveiled a plaque at the school to mark the occasion. Harriett commented: “It’s always a pleasure to visit the primary schools in West Worcestershire and I was grateful to be asked to lead the celebrations. “I’ve had long discussions with Lindsey Cooke, who is chief executive of the Hanley and Upton Educational Trust, as she develops a long term plan to offer the best possible education at this cluster of primary schools in the Trust as well as Hanley Castle High School. “Welland is the third primary school to join the trust and it was really useful to chat to the governors and teachers about how they think this will benefit the school. I will continue to watch with interest as the Trust evolves its plans.” Photo: Welland Primary School headteacher Margaret Smith (far left) and Harriett Baldwin MP (far right) celebrate the school joining the Hanley and Upton Educational Trust with members of the school council.