Giving children a brilliant start in life

Convenience stores play an invaluable role in our communities. Todav I visited two, starting at Ash Service Station in Wendover. The staff there are doing an excellent job despite the frustrations of the appalling traffic jams outside caused by HS2 works on the A413. Ascona Group

It was really good to visit Booker Park School today, meet staff and see some of the excellent facilities it has for its 240 children with complex needs. The school is rightly proud of the way it is able to inspire and enable its pupils to achieve and play an active role in their own lives.

It was good to meet south-east farmers and representatives from NFU to discuss the challenges of the past year, and methods to produce more food in the UK that protects the environment and works for the economy.

Our economy can only grow if our labour force has the right skills. Education is absolutely key to learning and developing those skills. Rob asked the new minister for skills Robert Halfon MP how he will work with schools & colleges to get more people into good jobs.

I was really pleased to reopen the "Helicopter Park" in Wendover today, following my efforts with the Ministry of Defence.

As soon as I was told some months ago that the play equipment had been removed I contacted the minister to insist that local children got their park back.

Aylesbury may be one of the most inland towns in England, but it still has a thriving unit of The Sea Cadets, who meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Wonderful community garden at St Peter's Aylesbury in Quarrendon, with lovely vegetables (including courgettes used to make delicious houmous). Impressive commitment to sustainability: pathways are made of recycled carpet tiles. Popular with all ages, there's even a fairy garden for children.

Inspired by writer Roald Dahl, the WhizzFizzFest is a fantastic annual literary and arts festival in Aylesbury celebrating children’s literature and creativity. So I was delighted to attend the parade to kick off this year’s celebrations on Saturday.

Rob Butler praised the measures set out in the Queen's Speech debate today on the theme of making Britain the best place to grow up and grow old. The Speech sets out the Government’s priorities for the year ahead, reflecting the ambitions and aspirations of the British people.

As part of Children's Mental Health Week, Rob Butler spoke in the House of Commons about ways to help young people who need support. The full speech can be viewed here.