EDUCATION Secretary Nicky Morgan swapped Whitehall for Whitefield during a visit to Pendle.

The Conservative, who is also the Coalition’s Minister for Women and Equalities, observed lessons at Whitefield Infant School and Nursery Unit in Every Street, Nelson, yesterday.

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The school moved to its new state-of-the-art complex last September after a rise in pupil numbers meant the old Victorian building in Norfolk Street was now longer suitable.

The Secretary of State spoke to teachers and pupils, accompanied by Pendle’s Tory MP Andrew Stephenson, who has been a governor at the school for the past seven years.

He said: “She was very impressed. It’s a school that’s very close to my heart having been a governor for some years.

“I have seen them work on the new building and the teachers and everyone else are proud to have an outstanding school building to go along with the outstanding teaching. Nicky spoke to pupils, the school council, staff and governors and listened to their views.”

Whitefield was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted after its most recent inspection in October 2013.

Mrs Morgan, MP for Loughborough, also visited Trinity CoE/Methodist Primary School in Buckshaw Village, near Chorley.

Mrs Morgan, who joined in road safety activities at Trinity, tweeted: “Thanks to all Trinity School, Chorley, for making me feel so welcome today, and for my red roses.”