Primary school buys three alpacas to add to farm which helps with children's learning and confidence

An Edwalton primary school has welcomed three new animals just in time for the start of the school year.

Children at Edwalton Primary School in Wellin Lane raised money to pay for three alpacas which teachers say will help with their learning and confidence.

The school has had its own farm on site since 1972 and is completely self-sustainable with sheep, pigs, goats, chicken, rabbits, guinea pigs, a beehive, a polytunnel for growing vegetables and now three alpacas.

The school, which also has its own three-acre woodland, is the only primary school in England with its own working farm and woods.

Cassie Egan, 10, Jess Harding, 10, with the new alpacas (Nottingham Post)

Every morning and afternoon, a rota of Year 5 and 6 children care for the animals, making sure they have food, water and clean bedding.

This continues over the weekends and throughout the holidays with a rota of family volunteers - even on Christmas Day.

Rebecca Russell, the site manager, said: "The Year 5 pupils decided they wanted some alpacas after learning about Peru.

"They set about raising money for them and they all did a piece of creative writing to persuade the head teacher why they should be allowed to have them.

"It shows their enthusiasm which is lovely and since the alpacas arrived we have had a lot of excitable children."

The animals help children with responsibility because they have to care for them and feed them.

It also helps the students with maths as they sell the produce.

Ms Russell added: "The animals are especially good for our children that need nurture as part of their school day as it extends their learning outside of the classroom.

Ben Huxley, 10, Cassie Egan, 10 Jess Harding, 10, and Hussain Zaib, 11 (Nottingham Post)

"The transition of a new school year can be unsettling, but meeting the animals gave all the children an exciting start to the year."

The Year 5 pupils raised £1,500 to buy the alpacas through own clothes days, writing to local business and charity sales.

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