I returned on Thursday to Four Oaks Primary School for a meeting to discuss the vexed issue of the future of the Playgroup there.

I fought hard for the school to be completely rebuilt during the last parliament and was absolutely delighted when we managed to persuade ministers that Four Oaks Primary should be included in the rebuilding programme.

However, the future of the much respected and outstandingly good Playgroup based at the site is now in some doubt and I am determined that my  young constituents who live nearby should continue to have the benefit of this excellent local resource.

So, yesterday I convened a meeting at the school with representatives of the school, the playgroup, Birmingham City Council, and the Department for Education. I am particularly grateful to the very senior officials from the Department who responded positively to my request that they come in person to the meeting and who travelled some distance to do so.

Now we need a solution that preserves the Playgroup without delaying the school’s rebuild.  That is what - with good will on all sides - I hope we can now succeed in achieving.