The Children’s Commissioner has visited schoolchildren in Carlisle as part of England’s biggest ever consultation with children.

Dame Rachel de Souza launched “The Big Ask” last month to ask children across England how they would improve childhood life in a post-Covid world.

The project has the support of footballer Marcus Rashford MBE, and will give millions of children the chance to set their priorities for the Childhood Commission.

The commissioner visited pupils at St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Carlisle, and was impressed with their answers.

She said: “I heard some brilliant feedback for our survey, The Big Ask, from the amazing children at St Cuthbert’s. The pupils gave us so many answers, as well as songs, Shakespeare soliloquies and a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

“It was so useful to be able to hear about their dreams for the future and about their experiences of lockdown and the impact Covid had on their families.

“I want to thank all of them and the teachers for hosting such a great visit and for sharing their views with me.”

The school’s headteacher, Michael Merrick, added: “It was a wonderful day. We were really pleased, it was great to have Rachel here.

“She has visited the school before, but it was nice to have her here in her new role. The kids were just wonderful, they’re a great bunch and they showcased all of the good things our children do.

“I’m really excited with what the commissioner is trying to do with The Big Ask.”

‘The Big Ask’ will be online until May 19, and available to any child who can access the internet.