Nick Timothy, West Suffolk MP, visits local learners at WS Training in Haverhill 

On Friday, 16 January 2026, WS Training was delighted to welcome Nick Timothy, West Suffolk MP, to our Supported Learning Centre in Haverhill. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for learners and staff to share their experiences, showcase the work we do locally, and engage directly with their local Member of Parliament. 

Visits like this are incredibly important for our learners, offering them real-world engagement and the chance to have their voices heard by those involved in shaping local and national decision-making. 

Who is Nick Timothy? 

Nick Timothy lives just outside Haverhill and is the Conservative MP for West Suffolk, having been elected on 4 July 2024. His strong local connection makes his engagement with organisations like WS Training particularly meaningful, as he gains first-hand insight into the needs of learners across the area. 

Nick Timothy’s new role in Parliament 

The visit was especially noteworthy as it took place just one day after Nick Timothy was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor. 

Our team congratulated Nick Timothy on this new role, which he assumed on 15 January 2026. Despite his new responsibilities, he made time to visit our learners, something we greatly appreciated. 

Welcoming a Local MP to WS Training 

Our Supported Learning Centre in Haverhill offers a highly supportive, personalised provision for learners who may not have thrived in mainstream education. Learners attend three days a week, receiving around 16 hours of face-to-face learning, with small group sizes across three classrooms per day to ensure support is never overwhelming. 

We offer a vocational studies programme, which includes maths, English, PSHE, and employability, alongside vocational tasters in areas such as social care, sport and fitness, and cooking and hospitality. This varied approach helps learners explore different pathways and, for many, builds confidence to progress into college, employment, or further training. 

During the visit, Jacqui, Centre Manager at Haverhill, explained how our provision is shaped around individual learner needs. For some, this means rearranging classrooms to encourage teamwork; for others, it may involve starting in a quieter space and gradually transitioning into group learning over time. Our focus is always on stretching the mile to ensure every learner is supported in the way that works best for them. 

Why visits like this matter to learners 

For many of our learners, meeting Nick Timothy, West Suffolk MP, was a unique and empowering experience. While they often hear about political roles in theory, having the chance to meet their MP in person and ask questions directly made those roles feel real and accessible. 

Chloe Barnett, Head of Education, spoke about how WS Training works hard to remove barriers to education, particularly for learners who may have struggled with attendance or engagement in the past. We also work closely with families, signposting and supporting them wherever possible to ensure learners can fully access education. 

A discussion about learner travel sparked a wider conversation around public transport and bus routes, highlighting how practical issues can directly impact access to education.  

Inside the visit: conversations, classrooms and questions 

Nick Timothy’s visit to our centre in Haverhill 

During his visit, Nick Timothy met with CEO Kirstie Wright, Head of Education Chloe Barnett, and Jacqui Singleton, Haverhill Centre Manager, before touring the centre. 

The team proudly showed him around the classrooms. Chloe explained that the centre moved into Rubine House in September, having previously been based at the Clements Community Centre. What was once an open-plan office space has since been thoughtfully redesigned into dedicated classrooms to better meet learner needs. 

What we offer in Haverhill 

Jacqui shared how learners were taking part in maths lessons that day. She then went on to explain how we encourage developing essential independent living skills early on in our programmes. These skills are designed to support them not just in education, but in everyday life and adulthood. 

Nick Timothy engaged with learners 

Nick Timothy then sat down with learners for an open discussion. He asked when they joined WS Training and where they had previously studied. This was a simple but effective icebreaker that immediately put learners at ease. Learners went on to ask thoughtful questions, including: 

“How do you plan to improve the town?” 

“Is there anything being done to improve support in schools?” 

Nick Timothy explained his role in raising issues. He aims to bring the right people together and use media platforms to draw attention to challenges that are often complex. He also spoke passionately about the importance of young people voting and playing an active role in democracy, emphasising that change cannot happen if people do not take part. 

Learners also shared their own reflections on WS Training, with one saying: 

“Even though I joined late, I felt like I was part of the group.” 

Supporting learners and the local community 

Political engagement plays an important role in supporting education, skills development, and inclusion. Visits like this help raise awareness of Supported Learning provision and the vital role it plays in enabling young people with additional needs to progress and succeed. 

At WS Training, we remain committed to providing education that is memorable, engaging, and effective, ensuring every learner feels valued and supported. 

Reflections on Nick Timothy’s visit

The visit was a powerful reminder of how important it is to connect learners with the wider community. Seeing learners confidently ask questions and share their experiences reflected everything we aim to achieve. 

We are grateful to Nick Timothy, West Suffolk MP, for taking the time to visit, listen, and engage so thoughtfully with our learners and staff. 

Looking ahead 

The visit was a positive and impactful day for everyone involved. It reinforced the importance of collaboration between education providers and local stakeholders. We look forward to continuing these conversations and strengthening partnerships that support learners across West Suffolk. 

WS Training remains proud to play an active role in the Haverhill community, supporting learners, families, and futures.