Charles Darwin reception class welcomes very special guests

The kids at Charles Darwin Primary School were overjoyed when local farmer, Simon Bennett, showed up at school on Thursday, April 27, with some of his new-season lambs and a six-week-old calf, Charlie, who they were allowed to bottle-feed.

Staff at the Darwin Street school gained a reputation for going the extra mile for the children’s engagement when they recently staged a meteor landing in the playground to kick-off a week-long festival of projects focusing on the origins of planet Earth and the creatures who call it home.

Thursday’s visit also had a natural history theme, aiming to help reception children understand the cycle of life, where their food comes from, and about the rural way of life that makes up such a huge part of Cheshire’s heritage and economy.

Headteacher Adam Croft said: “We’re are always delighted to make our learning fun and interactive at Charles Darwin, so having a local farmer bring in lambs and a calf was a wonderful experience for our children.

Farmer Simon let some of the children bottle-feed his lambs (Image: Charles Darwin Primary School)

“The animals were brought in to support reception class' ‘animals and their babies’ topic, and they did a brilliant job.   

“The children got to bottle feed the calf and lambs and everyone enjoyed stroking them. 

“We were amazed by Charlie the calf – only six weeks old and so big!"

The animals came from Riverside Organic Farm, Whatcroft, which Simon Bennett’s family have been running since 1966.

The certified organic business prides itself on farming in a way that maximises animal welfare, reduces environmental pollution, increases biodiversity on the land, and improves soil health.

Simon said: “It’s so important that children learn more about food and farming. 

“Opportunities like this are great for getting children involved in the countryside around them.”