The Foreman

Last week, I swapped my hard hat for a hooded top and popped down to the charming London borough of Newham, home of the London 2012 Olympics.

I was there to watch government minister Ed Balls engage with a class full of sullen Newham youths, who are taking the new Construction and Built Environment Diploma.

It has to be said that Newham Sixth Form College isn't the easiest place to find in the world, and I have to admit I got a little lost.

On my travels I came across a lady who was also struggling to find the school. So we asked for directions. I asked where she was from, as we were pointed in the right direction.

Turned out she worked at the Department for Children, Schools and Families - Ed Balls' department.

Comforting to know they had everything in hand on the morning of the launch then.