Mayor of Oslo visit

Mayor of Oslo, Mrs Marianne Borgen, visited St. Stephen’s School and Children’s Centre in East Ham, on Wednesday 5 th December. The visit was undertaken in a bid to learn about excellence in education and building effective partnerships with other professions.

Mrs Borgen, who was originally in London to turn on the Christmas Tree Lights in Trafalgar Square, took time out of her busy schedule to attend the Ofsted outstanding rated school. Having donated the tree itself as the annual Christmas gift from Norway to show gratitude for British Support during WW2, she was determined to fit some learning into her overseas trip.

After meeting Headteacher, Neena Lall, and her senior leadership team, Mrs Borgen enjoyed a tour of the Federated Primary School, Nursery School, Daycare and Children’s Centre. The mayor was especially interested in the Children’s Centre, which is one of eight Children’s Centre Hubs in Newham, supporting local families with childcare needs, parenting skills, help into employment and child health and development advice. This support is delivered through an on-site midwifery, a range
of adult education classes, outreach work and partnerships with health, social care and a range of charities and support agencies.

The school was thanked for the visit, with Mrs Borgen commenting, ‘I am really impressed to see how you work and the way you holistically see children’s lives. It was really inspiring.’

St. Stephen’s School is Situated in East Ham and has received 4 Outstanding Ofsted gradings for the Primary School, Nursery School, Daycare and Children’s Centre. St. Stephen’s Primary School was awarded State Primary School of the Year in November 2017 and remains in the top 10 highest performing schools nationally.