House of Commons visit for 'UK's kindest school'

A dozen pupils from the school were selected to take kindness to the Commons

Children from a school crowned the kindest in the UK have made a "priceless" visit to parliament to "share our message".

East Hunsbury Primary in Northampton was given the Kind School Award by the charity 52 Lives, prompting an invitation by former Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell to "share a bit more kindness across the House".

A dozen pupils from the school, which has 450 pupils, visited Parliament and met politicians including current Leader of the House Sir Alan Campbell, and they were hosted by Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South.

Teacher Kelly Roberts called the visit "amazing" and a "fabulous opportunity" for the students.

The pupils, aged between seven and 11, and their teachers enjoyed a tour of the Commons.

Ms Roberts said: "People have taken on our messages well. It's allowed all of us to appreciate that even though it sometimes might sound like politicians are arguing [in the House of Commons], everything they're doing is for a reason and to serve their constituents.

"There is an element of kindness in that anyway."

Mike Reader, the Labour MP for Northampton South, hosted the school's visit

Noah, 10, said it was "an amazing experience", while Abigail, also 10, said she felt privileged to attend.

Hazel, nine, said politicians "should try to be more kind to each other".

Reader said the pupils "shared how they are kind every single day" and "make sure it is in everything they do".

He added: "It's amazing to hear those values run through everything they do."

Sir Alan said it was important to welcome the young people to the House of Commons and allow them to see Parliament in action.

"Westminster belongs to them," he said. "It belongs to the country. For them to see it working is a great opportunity."

He said the children asked excellent questions in their meeting with him and were "a credit to their school, their parents and themselves".