Pupils in East Devon deserve a world-class education. Their teachers work hard to deliver just that. Facilities should be top-notch, too.

We can all remember the temporary classrooms built to help schools cope with growing classroom sizes. Sadly, some of these remain, and many are past their best.

Last week, I met the Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan to talk about three East Devon schools in need of investment in their buildings.

Firstly, Sidmouth Primary School. I have some good news - plans to build a brand new building and facilities have been given the green light to push ahead. After working alongside the school's leadership, Cllr Stuart Hughes, and Education Ministers, I am delighted that the government has given approval and new funding to progress the much-needed redevelopment of the school's Manstone Avenue site. I'll continue to do everything I can to get spades in the ground ASAP.

Secondly, St Peter’s Primary School in Budleigh Salterton is being let down by temporary classrooms which are way past their best. Even before the Panorama programme, I had been raising the overwhelming case for investment into the school with the government. I did so again in my meeting with the Secretary of State and will meet with the Diocese, too. I won't rest until action is taken.

Thirdly, Tipton St John Primary School. The school is part of the government’s School Rebuilding Programme because the school and its grounds are at risk of flooding. The school had to close three times last year, children and staff had to be rescued by the fire service in May 2023, and the current site has been considered a ‘risk to life’. Devon County Council are currently undertaking assessments of the sites visited by the Department for Education and deciding how best to proceed. I went to a village school for part of my education, which is why I have been pushing for sites in Tipton St John to be considered. But, ultimately, there is a need to get spades in the ground to deliver a safe, new school as soon as possible.