09 Dec 2025
Pupils and staff at The Abbey CE VA Primary School welcomed St Albans MP Daisy Cooper on Friday for the official opening of the school’s new outdoor canopy.
Year 6 children gathered for the ceremony in the playground, marking the moment with a lively countdown before Daisy cut the ribbon to cheers and applause.
The new canopy will be used as an outdoor classroom and as part of the school’s Forest School sessions, providing a versatile space for learning in the fresh air throughout the year. The project was made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of Abbey School’s parents and school community.
Following the opening, Daisy joined Year 6 inside the newly unveiled canopy for a special question-and-answer session. Seated together around the firepit, the pupils quizzed her on life as an MP, her work in the local community, and what inspired her to enter politics with many of their questions building on their recent learning from UK Parliament Week.
Headteacher Linda O’Melia said: “Daisy praised the pupils for their curiosity, confidence, and understanding of how democracy works. The visit proved both inspiring and memorable, giving Year 6 a firsthand experience of engaging with their local representative in a warm and informal setting.”
