Michael Gove MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, visited the Avenue Special School on 10 February together with Alok Sharma, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Reading West.

Head teacher Sue Bourne showed Michael and Alok around the Tilehurst school, which was recently formally opened by the Countess of Wessex.

After the visit Michael Gove said: "I was immensely impressed by both the teachers and the pupils at the Avenue School. The school has an incredibly caring atmosphere where children feel safe and the teaching staff bring out the best in all the pupils. As the school's latest Ofsted report makes clear, this is an outstanding school with a talented leadership team and the Avenue School provides a benchmark of excellence for other special schools."

Michael added: "The great work being done at the Avenue School and the positive manner in which the pupils respond to their environment reinforces the Conservative policy that we need to have a moratorium on the ideologically motivated closure of special schools, and ensure that every child gets the tailored support they need."

Alok Sharma said: "The ambition, vision and hard work of the head teacher in any school plays a big part in its success and the Avenue School is incredibly lucky to have a truly inspirational head teacher in Sue Bourne. Her leadership, coupled with the talented and caring staff at the school, will ensure that the Avenue School continues to go from strength to strength."

Sue Bourne said: "We were very pleased to have Michael Gove visit the school together with Alok, and it was good that Michael had an opportunity to meet with some of the staff and our wonderful pupils."

Photo: Michael Gove, head teacher Sue Bourne and Alok Sharma at the Avenue School.