Tessa is ‘over the moon’ as research revealed thousands more apprentices are progressing into Higher Education after finishing their apprenticeships.

Research published by the Business Department, where Tessa has a role supporting the Secretary of State, show that almost 20 in every 100 Advanced Apprentices moved into Higher Education following the completion of their apprenticeships.

Tessa said:

“I’m a massive supporter of apprenticeships, and this research demonstrates we are now making real progress in this area.

“It shows the many varied opportunities available to apprentices, and that they can help those who wish to boost their prospects further progress to the next stage of learning.  This can lead to a wider range of rewarding careers.”

Local MP Tessa visited children at Hindhayes School in Street last week where she spent several hours speaking with children and parents before taking a tour of the school (including the kitchens, which will need to be adapted so that the school can provide free meals for all of the students from September 2014.)

Head teacher Diane Sleeman said: “We were really pleased when Tessa visited the school. She spent time with the Year 2 children in the hall where she told them about her work and they had the chance to ask questions.” The children had looked at pictures of the Houses of Parliament and were full of questions. “Tessa answered them all very honestly and the children listened attentively, we are very grateful for the time she gave up to visit Hindhayes and for the way she interacted with the children.”

Speaking after the visit, Tessa said: “It was great to see the students and staff on Friday.  I talked to them about what I do – both in Westminster and in and around Glastonbury, and as always, the group had some very interesting questions. Visiting schools is certainly one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.”

Tessa Munt
4th February 2014

Local MP Tessa Munt visited St Dunstan’s School in Glastonbury on Friday to present the a group of students with certificates following a visit to Parliament in December.

Tessa said:

“It was great to see the students and staff again on Friday.  I talked to them about what I do – both in Westminster and in and around Glastonbury, and as always, the group had questions about how our Parliamentary system works.  Visiting schools is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job and I love welcoming students to Parliament to have a look round, explain my job and listen to their ideas.”

Tessa Munt
21st January 2014

Somerset MP Tessa Munt is campaigning for new school kitchens to be as ‘child friendly’ as possible so they can double up and be used to teach cookery lessons as well as feeding hungry pupils!

Tessa was delighted by the news last year that from September, every single infant school pupil will sit down to a free school lunch. This means 16,766 children in Somerset will benefit from a free hot and healthy meal at lunchtime.

Tessa said: “I talk to parents every day in my patch and everyone is feeling the squeeze.  During the course of a year, the average family spends £400 on lunches for each child, and we are determined to ease the financial burden for families.  Research shows that guaranteeing a nutritious hot meal improves results, and it is right that every child has a fair start in their crucial early years.”

“Since the Coalition Government is providing additional funding for new kitchens, it makes sense for the kitchens to be accessible to children and teachers – so they can also benefit from learning how to cook healthy hot meals.”

If we teach our children how to cook healthily, they will lead happier, healthier lives”

Tessa Munt
7^th January 2014