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On the 19th June, the school council visited the Houses of Parliament to meet the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP and tour both of the Houses. We got to see British Values in action as we watched a debate take place about environmental issues. Later we visited Downing Street and had our picture taken outside No. 10 - we thought that was exciting but things got even better!

The day started at 5.50 am when we met at Piccadilly Train Station to board the 6.15am to Euston. This was a new experience for some of the children and excitement levels were high. Breakfast was eaten early so that we were ready to face a full on London rush hour as we arrived in Euston. We headed straight for the Northern Line and down to Embankment. We marched along the Embankment, past New Scotland Yard towards the Houses. It was very busy! We then saw the Elizabeth Tower - known to many as Big Ben - and down to the Education centre arriving exactly on time.

Security is tight here, a bit like at an airport and all of our bags were checked. We met our guide and headed straight into the House, taking a slightly different route than we had in the past. We went into Westminster Hall and stood where famous world leaders had addressed dignitaries. We saw where past monarchs had lay in state, including Queen Elizabeth II. We then climbed (a lot of) stairs to the viewing gallery and watched a debate on environmental issues. We could see many MPs and the Speaker. We then went back down stairs and saw where the House Post Office is and where the TV cameras are often positioned.

We headed back to the Education Centre and talked about how democracy works and how a bill is turned into law. The children enjoyed this task. We were then joined by our local MP, Angela Rayner, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister. She sat and answered questions for about twenty five minutes before having a photograph with the group. She gave some amazing insights in to Prime Minister's Questions as well as the life of a working mum combined with being the Deputy PM. She also shared the story of nearly running over the Downing Street cat ( the well known 'Larry the Downing Street' cat) the day before and making headlines. She was very good with the children, with a lovely relaxing way making everyone feel comfortable. This was quite an experience!

After this, we headed to Parliament Square which was extremely busy and extremely hot! We bought some lovely souvenirs from the Houses of Parliament shop before heading down towards Buckingham Palace. Before that we cooled ourselves down by jumping in and out of the jets watering the grass - fun and much needed.

We had lunch in the shade in the park and just chilled. By this time the temperature was well over 30 and it was quite tough in the sun. We had a look at Buckingham Palace before heading back to the shade to cool down again. Slowly, we walked up The Mall, always keeping in the shade before making an incredibly expensive toilet stop. Again we had a bit of a rest in the shade.

Eventually, we arrived at Downing Street, rather hot and tired. Security here was very tight and bags were checked before we entered. The lady was very nice and helpful. We told her we had just met the Deputy Prime Minister and asked how Larry the Cat was. She told us he was fine and sleeping in the window. She allowed us to go over and peak at him in the window when she moved the curtain back. She then suggested we stand in the open doorway and have look inside. She asked the security guard where the 'boss' was. When he responded that he wasn't in, she invited us into the entrance hall! Incredibly, staff and children of Audenshaw Primary School are now stood inside No 10 Downing Street. This was not something anyone expected. We never got to see the PM, but we did see Larry the Cat snoozing in the window - a highlight for many of the children.

By this point the weather was just a bit too hot to do much more. We headed for the South Bank to watch some street theatre but it was too hot for them to be out. We found some shade, enjoyed the view of the river and Parliament and ate the world's most expensive ice lollies to cool us down - to be honest, I would have paid double!

Finally, back on the tube to Euston via a quick tea at McDonalds. Our train was delayed by an hour but eventually, it was back home to Manchester. A long day but a very rewarding one.

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School Council Trip to Parliament 2024

On the 28th June 2024, the School Council visited the Houses of Parliament to learn about how democracy works. It was a slightly unusual time to visit as the house was not sitting due the election that was due to be held the following Thursday.

We travelled down to Euston from Manchester Piccadilly on the 0635 train. From the train it was straight on to the Northern Line (first time on a tube for many of the children) to Embankment and from there we walked past the London Eye and New Scotland Yard before we saw Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Sadly, you are not allowed to take pictures inside the Houses so we do not have any pictures of what we did. However, the children saw the Throne Room where the King puts on his robes ready for delivering his speech. We then travelled through the House of Lords and saw the throne the King sits on to read his speech to the Lords. The children listened intently as it was explained that the House of Lords is full of selected experts whose job it is to check on the Government.

From there, we moved into the central lobby, where the press mingle and the public are allowed to 'lobby' MPs and persuade them to introduce the bills of law they would like passing.

We then went into the 'No' Division Lobby where MPs walk through after a vote in the House. Here they are counted and the speaker then announces the results in the House. The children were able to sit on the benches in these chambers and could look at the old Hansard books stored detailing all of the discussions in the House.

We then walked into the House from behind the Speaker's Chair and stood on the opposition benches. Here, our guide reminded us that there are 650 MPs and they are there to represent us, the people. We also learnt about how the benches face each other and MPs must 'toe the line' so they will not risk sword battles.

After this, we walked into the oldest part of Westminster, Westminster Hall. It was explained to the children that many world famous people had stood exactly where they were and addressed the Houses - I am not sure the appreciated some of the names. This was also where the late Queen had laid in state in September 2022.

Our Final activity in the House was to return to the Education Centre and have a debate in our own mini House of Commons chamber. This involved selecting our own Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition. We debated whether smoking should be banned immediately or people should be given notice. The children really got into this and the benches were full off 'Hear, Hear' and disapproving grumbles, depending on their viewpoint.

We then had our lunch outside Westminster Abby and next to the statue of Winston Churchill. During this time, we took small groups to the Souvenir Shop. It was very very busy at this time.

After lunch, we walked down Birdcage Walk and past the Horse Barracks to arrive at Buckingham Palace. A few photos here and then down the Mall. We stopped off for a quick run around in the park - the children only, the staff were shattered!

Our next stop was supposed to be Trafalgar Square to see the fountains and Nelson's Column but this was being prepared and so was out of bounds. We turned down Whitehall and watched the Horse Guards for a few minutes - always impressive.

We were due at Downing Street at 2.30pm but arrived a few minutes early. We passed through security and before we knew it, we were stood outside one of the most iconic front doors in the world. We explained who lived there and the Police chatted with us. We had our photographs taken and then the children sat on the kerb and chatted - a picture we have shared that I think is fantastic.

From Downing Street, we headed over Westminster Bridge (stopping for a sneaky, and incredibly expensive, ice cream) before heading past the London Eye to watch some street theatre. The magician was very funny.

Next. it was back over the river and onto the Northern Line and up to Warren Street, where the children experienced the highlight of the trip - tea at McDonalds!

Finally, a walk from Warren Street to Euston and onto our train. You would think the children would be tired, instead we played cards all of the way home.

A fantastic day out with lots of experiences and new learning.