HOUSING Minister Esther McVey was greeted by a chorus of children singing the national anthem on her visit to Feversham Primary School in Bradford.

The MP, who was keen to see how the school's work with One Britain One Nation (OBON) had rebuilt the community spirit, listened to the pupils' rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In and Something Inside So Strong - one of her favourite songs.

She told the students: "First of all can I just say that this is one of my favourite songs and you sang that absolutely beautifully.

"This school has come all the way to Westminster to me in my office.

"It's Communities Week, it's all about communities who come together, who engage, who do really good things and that is you.

"You're the best in the country for doing that."

The minister received a tour round the school which has recently started 'values of the week', introduced children to English Afternoon Tea, arranged a philharmonic show for its neighbours and more.

There is also a new focus on wellbeing with the introduction of a new forest school and meditation sessions with the school's Shakira Afsal explaining how it teaches disadvantaged children that there's more to Bradford than "just a concrete jungle".

She told the MP: "We want them to become happy, healthy individuals that can give back to society.

"You can be what you want to be. In our communities our parents pushed us but it's just exposing them and saying 'You can do other things'."

And this positive message was shared by the Tatton MP who said bringing people together "starts in the classroom".

Miss Mcvey said: "I couldn’t have chosen a better place than Feversham Primary Academy to celebrate this year’s Community Week.

"Touring the school and speaking to teachers, it is clear Feversham brings children together by providing a rich, wholistic education, underpinned by British values.

"Bringing our communities together with our common values starts in the classroom. Schools like Feversham are preparing our children to unlock their potential in our diverse society."

Headteacher Idrees Naveed, who was recently awarded the title of Head Teacher of the Year at the Tes Awards in London, said hosting the minister was a "proud" moment.

He said: "It just shows what you can achieve with the support of the children and the support of staff.

"We're putting the children at the heart of the curriculum. We've shown at Feversham it doesn't matter where you come from."

With the help of OBON, the school hosts events for the families and neighbours of the school, focused on the shared values of British citizenship and promoting civic pride and unity.

Kash Singh, CEO and founder of OBON, said: "It really is humbling to see how schools across West Yorkshire are embracing the vision of unity, pride whilst championing the shared values of British citizenship in an effort to eliminate hatred, intolerance and racism of all types. We are so grateful to the Rt Hon Esther McVey MP for championing our cause at a national level."