Mary Creagh MP has praised a Coventry school for its approach to supporting the community and making sure young people’s voices are heard after meeting pupils and visiting two new wellbeing spaces.

Mary, who was elected Labour MP for Coventry East in July 2024, joined pupils at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, part of the Romero Catholic Academy, to talk about the environment and her journey to becoming an MP in a visit that concluded with conversations with parents at the school gates.

During her visit to the school on Harry Rose Road, the Minister for Nature spoke with members of the school council about her work in Parliament advocating for her constituents and for environmental change – as well as the importance of young people making their voices heard.

Mary, who grew up and went to school in Coventry, also spoke with year 6 pupils who had written to her in November about issues such as littering and homelessness, before touring the school’s reflection corridor and sensory room, which have been created to give pupils space to rest and relax in between lessons.

Mary said: “It was inspiring to see how pupils at St Gregory’s are already thinking about ways they can improve their communities – whether that’s through encouraging people to walk to school, supporting local charities, or having a say over the healthy choices on offer in the school canteen.

“I was particularly impressed with the role the school council plays in making the community a better place for all pupils. Their curiosity and concern over issues affecting the local area reflect how important it is to involve young voices in discussions which ultimately affect them too.

“It’s my aim to speak to as many people as possible in my constituency, so it was fantastic to have this opportunity to join pupils and to speak to parents and staff at the school gates.”

Megan Scullion, principal at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, said: “We were delighted to host Mary Creagh to hear insights from her role in Parliament and how she has been supporting our community.

“We’d like to thank Mary for her generosity in joining us for the afternoon, answering questions from our pupils about her work as well as speaking to people across the school community in a really valuable visit for everyone connected with St Gregory’s.”