I am keen to promote reading for pleasure amongst children of all ages. One of the ideas I had was to ensure children have access to books at the landmark breakfast clubs. I first mentioned this in December 2024 at the evidence session held by the APPG on Publishing of which I am Co-Chair. When I met with the Reading Agency, Debbie Hicks and Amanda Thain last month, I also mentioned that I was going to be visiting a breakfast club. They very generously provided me with a box of books for the children.

At Goldsmith Primary's breakfast club on 2 May 2025, we opened the box of books. The children were absolutely delighted, as you can see from the pictures and video below.

/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}



https://www.valerievazmp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Goldsmith-Books-Vid-2May25.mp4
"Thank you Reading Agency, we love our books"

Goldsmith Primary was one of the first 750 schools selected to offer a free breakfast club for parents and children who need them.

The children arrive and are given a choice of healthy cereal, crumpets, beans and porridge. It was a lively session and there were over 100 pupils in two different halls. I helped to serve some of the pupils. The schools' catering staff are very supportive of this initiative and have provided the children with a nutritious breakfast.

The children who haven't accessed the breakfast club are also given fruit and toast. There are also activities for children to take part in such as table football, reading, colouring and dancing.

/*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}

I consider that every child should have access to a library. Many of the primary schools in Walsall and Bloxwich have libraries in their schools.

On my visit to Goldsmith Primary Academy on 2 May 2025, I was enchanted to visit the library and the Headteacher, Max Wakeman (pictured above) showed me around the library. I am sure you will agree the pictures below show what a very special place it is to encourage children to read for pleasure.

Here you can read the eNews for April 2025

Here is my statement on the events at Pahalgam, Kashmir.

I condemn the senseless act of violence that took place on 22 April 2025 in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, Kashmir when gunmen opened fire on 26 innocent civilians, including 25 tourists and a tour guide who bravely attempted to disarm an attacker. 

Baisaran Valley is a popular destination where people come together under the values of Kashmiriyat, the peace and harmony between people of various cultural and religious backgrounds. 

I hope the perpetrators of this terrible act are brought to justice.

I send my prayers and condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and the people of Pahalgam. May those who have died Rest in Peace.