I joined prime minister Boris Johnson on a visit to St Joseph’s Primary and Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School in Upminster this week to see the steps they have taken to welcome back pupils safely in September.

It was brilliant to showcase to the PM the hard work of the local school community in preparing for the full return of children after such a difficult year.

The government is determined to reopen all schools next month and it was reassuring to see the efforts of teachers over the summer to make that happen.

It was also great to catch up with St Joseph’s head Mrs Matthews and meet incoming Sacred Heart head Mrs Querrey, following the retirement of Kim O’Neill after two decades’ incredible service.

A couple of columns ago I set out progress on local pledges, including the delivery of a new Hornchurch health centre and recruiting more police.

I also promised to increase per-pupil funding for schools across our constituency, and I talked to the PM about the government’s recent school funding announcements.

Core funding for Hornchurch and Upminster’s schools will grow by 4.2% this year, ensuring that every primary receives at least £4,000 per pupil, and every secondary at least £5,150 per pupil. Ten schools across my constituency have also received Condition Improvement Funds to support essential building projects.

Finally, during August, residents can support local restaurants, pubs and cafes while enjoying up to £10 off food per person via the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Alongside a cut in VAT for hospitality businesses to 5%, the scheme is the kind of lifeline many local businesses have been calling for. Pop your postcode into the gov.uk finder to see the great local restaurants participating.