From trying to answer the tough questions thrown at you, to doing your best to break down complex ideas until they click, to attempting everything you possibly can to keep a room full of at best partly interested people engaged – I can't think of any job that could have prepared me better for Westminster than teaching.

After finishing university my first job was as a maths teacher at a school in Harlow. It was hands down one of the most rewarding things I'll ever do, and it left me with memories and learnings that'll last a lifetime. But it was no easy job. Long days, demanding workloads, and the weight of the importance of the work you are doing all take their toll.

Against that backdrop though it was impossible not to be inspired by my colleagues. Going above and beyond, every single day, to lift up their pupils and help them see what they're capable of. This was made all the more impressive by the fact it was often undertaken with little recognition and supported by thinly stretched resources across the state sector.

As we wind down for the summer holidays, it is important to remember the heroic efforts made by our teachers and school support staff. Whether it is supporting pupils through tough times, finding new ways to help children learn, or stepping far beyond the classroom to support families and communities, the impact teachers have is profound and lasting.

I want to say a huge thank you for everything teachers and school staff across the country, but especially here in Hitchin, have done over the past academic year. It's been inspiring to get out and see so many of you while visiting schools and colleges and I know it's not been an easy year. From local issues like the stalled tiering transition affecting our schools in Beds to national challenges like the failing SEND system, there has been lots to contend with.

As our MP I am determined to play my part in helping to put these right and be your champion locally and in Westminster.

I used to teach kids that started the day running on empty – sometimes having had nothing but a can of Monster for breakfast. It's why I am so pleased the Government have rolled out free breakfast clubs to every school and why I campaigned to ensure local schools including Shefford Lower, Meppershall and Etonbury Academy were some of the first to receive them. We've also expanded free school meals to reach up to 3,000 extra children in our area, because no child should be too hungry to learn.

We're also recruiting thousands of new teachers to fill key subject shortages - including in maths, investing in mental health support in schools, and launching a long-overdue review of the curriculum to better prepare pupils for the world they're growing up in. Locally, we are making this a reality too, alongside local parent groups, primary schools and secondary schools I've been supporting their campaign to make schools smartphone free, protecting children and empowering teachers.

SEND is a national crisis but here in our area, it's particularly acute. I know how frustrated parents, carers and teachers are with the delays, the lack of transparency, and the feeling of being passed from pillar to post. That's why, alongside other Hertfordshire MPs, I've pushed the council to establish a quarterly SEND forum to improve transparency and accountability. I'm also hosting my own SEND roundtables on 26th August - one in Hertfordshire, one in Bedfordshire - so I can hear directly from those affected and take your key concerns to the Education Secretary.

After a year in post, I've visited nearly every school in the constituency and been blown away by the hard work, dedication, and good humour of staff and pupils alike. Teaching gave me so much, and now it's my turn to give back. I'll be doing just that by making sure your voices are heard in Parliament every day I am lucky enough to serve as our MP.

However you are spending the next six weeks, I hope you get a well-earned break and once again, thank you for everything you do.