Labour Chief Whip and local MP, Jonathan Reynolds, has described questions he took from Tame Bank students as “as hard as any PMQs session.”
On social media, Reynolds thanked staff and students for a "warm welcome", comparing the questions posed to the weekly session in Parliament, where the Prime Minister responds to queries from MPs.
As well as representing Stalybridge and Hyde as a Member of Parliament, Jonathan Reynolds is a significant voice in the current Labour government as Chief Whip.
The role involves ensuring MPs, and peers in the House of Lords, attend and vote in line with party leadership.
After a tour of the modern Tame Bank space led by teacher Mr Hughes, Reynolds was welcomed into the Orange Room where he enjoyed watching a spontaneous martial arts session.
Reynolds then took questions from a number of students, with topics covering education, history, parliament and public services as well as artificial intelligence, among other subjects.
Teacher Mr Hughes, who organised the visit, said "Jonathan could see how First Steps Together had transformed the Tame Bank building, giving it a friendly, welcoming, yet professional atmosphere".
"The students really impressed Jonathan with their focused questions and enthusiasm and this was the highlight of the visit for me" he concluded.
The MP added on Facebook that it was "great to call in", adding that First Steps Together are "doing great work supporting young people with a range of educational needs".
Matthew Lawton, Head of School, said it was "fantastic" that "students engaged so confidently with Jonathan and asked such thoughtful questions."
He explained that "experiences like this are invaluable in helping our young people grow in confidence and understand the wider world.”
Tame Bank and First Steps Together continue to work closely with the local community, promoting student voice and providing valuable opportunities for learners to explore a wide range of career pathways.
