After visiting Build Academy in Wanstead last week and meeting learners preparing for careers in construction, I took the opportunity to raise their work in Parliament.

he school supports young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, including neurodivergent students. It’s clear the leadership team is working hard to give students the stability and support they need.

It was a really brilliant to visit Build Academy in Wanstead with Minister Chris McDonald for Stockton North and see first-hand how they are equipping our young people with vital construction and maintenance skills.

I had a wonderful time visiting Downsell Primary School in Leyton to present their Silver Rights Respecting School Award, a fantastic recognition of their commitment to children’s rights and wellbeing.

Really lovely to visit Good Shepherd Studios in Leytonstone again and catch up with Danie! From coworking and independent film to youth projects and community events, it’s a really fantastic example of how local spaces can bring people together and support creativity in Leytonstone.

Great to visit another local school in the constituency recently! Thanks to Wanstead Church School for hosting me and another brilliant set of questions from pupils in Key Stage 2.

I met with Creative Engagement Services during a recent patrol - they are piloting a new project to keep children and young people safe on their way to and from school in Waltham Forest by making pupil safety a shared community effort.

Brilliant to round off UK Parliament Week last Friday with visits to George Mitchell and Newport Schools in Leyton. All the pupils I spoke to had brilliant questions and a real enthusiasm to learn more about the work of our Parliament and my role as their MP!

I had a brilliant evening with the 21st EFS Cubs in Aldersbrook as part of UK Parliament Week. The group has been learning about democracy, so they split into parties, created manifestos for how they’d improve the club, and elected spokespeople before holding a vote. I was glad to stay to the end and help count the ballots - and they took the process seriously! Thank you to Georgina and all the leaders for the warm welcome and for the work they do for young people in our comm

A big shoutout to East London Boxing Academy in Leyton, an absolute joy to visit and learn about your work. ELBA is a real community asset and one of the best clubs in London!

Last week, I got to visit our incredible Police Cadets in Redbridge! A group of young people who are already stepping up to serve their community with pride, discipline, and dedication.

It was fantastic to meet staff and pupils at Oakdale Junior School in South Woodford this week! I really enjoyed this opportunity to speak to the school at their assembly about the importance of remembrance and take questions from the children, as well as joining in celebrating their achievements.

Earlier this year, I brought together families, teachers, and local council colleagues for a series of roundtables to hear directly about experiences with the SEND system in our community.

I had the pleasure of visiting 241 Wanstead & Woodford Squadron Royal Air Force Cadets and was blown away by their dedication and spirit. The Banner, Drill, and Band Teams all put on a brilliant display - full of energy, teamwork, and pride.

Over the summer, my team and I heard from families, teachers, and professionals about their experiences and challenges with the SEND system. Your voices made it clear: change is desperately needed.