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Harrogate school welcomes MP to spread premature birth awareness

Tuesday, 22 October 2024 07:37

Julian Smith MP at North Rigton Primary School.

Sir Julian Smith, the MP for Ripon and Skipton, was invited to North Rigton CE Primary School earlier this month to hear an important message about premature births.

Mr Smith made his visit on Friday 11th October, where he met with Assistant Headteacher, Sophia Gardiner, and toured the school.

The visit focused on the school’s status as a "Prem Aware" school - providing support for families of children born prematurely.

North Rigton CE Primary School serves nearly 100 children across four classes.

The school's commitment to inclusivity and support for all students is demonstrated by its proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by children who have experienced premature birth.

Following her personal experience with premature birth, Mrs Gardiner was inspired to advocate for greater awareness and support for families affected by prematurity.

Research indicates that children born prematurely may face cognitive and learning difficulties, including slower processing speeds and challenges with memory, attention, and mathematics.

Recognising this, North Rigton has implemented measures to identify and support children who may need additional assistance.

During his visit, Julian expressed his admiration for the school’s efforts.

He said:

“It was fantastic to visit North Rigton CE Primary School and learn more about their important work as a 'Prem Aware' school.

“Supporting families of children born prematurely is vital, and I am impressed by Mrs Gardiner and the team’s commitment to helping every child succeed.

“I encourage more schools to join this effort to raise awareness and provide support for children born prematurely.”

Mrs Gardiner said:

“Meeting Julian Smith MP was a great opportunity to be able to promote the work of The Smallest Things, which is such a worthwhile charity.”

The school has an open-door policy encouraging parents to share their experiences and concerns, ensuring that families feel supported throughout their children’s education.

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