Local leaders inspired by visit to Berkhamsted primary school
Westfield Primary School in Berkhamsted welcomed two special visitors this week as Councillors Mark Watkin and Hilary Skoczylas spent the afternoon meeting pupils and staff to discuss local priorities and education in the community.
The councillors were warmly received by Emma Leach, Headteacher, and Rhiannon Slater, Deputy Headteacher and SENCO, who shared insights into the school’s work, achievements and future plans.
The visit formed part of the councillors’ ongoing commitment to understanding the needs of local families and seeing first-hand the impact of council decisions within schools, particularly within the world of SEND.
A highlight of the afternoon was a lively and thoughtful question-and-answer session with the School Council. Pupils confidently posed a range of questions, including: “What are you most interested in within your local area?” and “How do you keep council meetings orderly?”
Councillor Watkin spoke about his passion for supporting community initiatives and ensuring young people have a voice in local decision-making.
Councillor Skoczylas explained how clear procedures, mutual respect and strong leadership help maintain productive and orderly council meetings — principles that resonated strongly with the pupils’ own experiences of running School Council discussions.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the councillors to observe SEND provision in practice. Mrs Slater outlined how the school supports children with additional needs, ensuring every pupil can thrive both academically and socially.
The councillors saw inclusive strategies in action and discussed the pressures schools face, alongside celebrating successes and innovative approaches currently being developed.
Miss Leach commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome Councillors Watkin and Skoczylas to Westfield. Our pupils were eager to share their ideas and demonstrate the leadership skills they are developing.
"Visits like this strengthen the connection between schools and local government, helping ensure that children’s voices are heard.”
One School Council member reflected afterwards, “It was exciting to ask real councillors our questions. It makes us feel like our opinions matter.”
The councillors emphasised how valuable it was to hear directly from both educators and pupils.
The visit concluded with a tour of the school, where councillors saw the vibrant learning environment that continues to make Westfield Primary a proud part of the Berkhamsted community.