Reception children at Redstart Primary School welcomed some very special visitors when a group of adorable lambs came to spend time with them.
Known for being highly social, curious, and playful, the lambs provided a hands-on and engaging experience that the children thoroughly enjoyed. The visit offered a wonderful opportunity for pupils to connect with nature in a fun and memorable way.
During the session, the children were able to feed and gently pet the lambs, sparking lots of thoughtful and enthusiastic questions about how they live and grow. The visit helped bring learning to life beyond the classroom.
The experience was organised by a parent who runs her own farm, helping to give pupils a unique insight into rural life and animal care.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our youngest pupils to experience animals up close and learn more about the natural world.
“Experiences like this help to spark curiosity and create lasting memories. The children were incredibly engaged and asked some brilliant questions throughout the visit.”
Young pupils in Chard have taken part in a special animal encounter inside their classroom.
Reception children at Red Start Primary School had an exciting and memorable visit from wildlife experts, as animals were brought into the classroom by Fangs ‘N’ Feathers.
Fangs ‘N’ Feathers is a UK-based animal education service that provides reptile encounters, sensory visits, and interactive workshops for schools, with a focus on handling and learning about often misunderstood animals.
During the visit, pupils had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide range of exotic creatures, including several species of snakes and a lizard. The hands-on experience allowed children to explore the animals in a safe and supportive environment.
The children showed impressive confidence throughout the session, remaining calm and brave while handling the animals. They also demonstrated great curiosity, asking thoughtful and engaging questions about the creatures and their habitats.
A spokesperson said: “It was wonderful to see the children approach the experience with such confidence and curiosity.
“Opportunities like this not only spark a love of learning but also help children develop respect and understanding for animals that are often misunderstood.”
Pupils from a Redstart Primary School enjoyed an ‘extraordinary’ educational visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, where they explored the history of naval aviation up close.
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Year 5 pupils from Redstart Primary School recently enjoyed an extraordinary educational visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, where they explored the rich history of naval aviation and experienced iconic aircraft up close.
The museum, the largest of its kind in Europe, features four expansive exhibition halls charting the evolution of flight, from early aviation pioneers to modern technological advancements.
During the visit, pupils toured an extensive collection that includes over 90 aircraft, two million historical records, and more than 30,000 artefacts.
A standout moment for many was the opportunity to step inside the world-famous Concorde, a remarkable feat of engineering that continues to inspire generations.
The experience was further brought to life as pupils dressed in Fleet Air Arm uniforms, allowing them to imagine themselves in the roles of naval aviators and gain a deeper understanding of life in aviation history.
A school spokesperson said: “It was incredible to see our pupils so engaged and inspired by the exhibits.
The hands-on learning experience really helped bring history to life, and I know this trip will leave a lasting impression on them.”
The visit forms part of the school’s commitment to enriching learning beyond the classroom, providing memorable experiences that spark curiosity and enthusiasm.
Year 3, 5 and 6 pupils at Redstart Primary Academy recently enjoyed a truly out of this world experience when they welcomed the spectacular Space Odyssey to the school.
Space Odyssey is a mobile 360° 3D planetarium that delivers immersive space and biology education through high-resolution, interactive simulations, bringing complex scientific concepts vividly to life for pupils.
The workshops were led by astronomer Simon Ould, an experienced science teacher and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Pupils explored our solar system and learned about the planets within it during sessions that were both breathtakingly immersive and highly inspirational.
The experience sparked curiosity, encouraged thoughtful questions and deepened pupils understanding of space science in a memorable and engaging way.
Roger Hunt, class teacher, said: “The Space Odyssey visit was an incredible experience for our pupils.
“The level of engagement was outstanding, and the children were completely captivated.
“It really brought their learning to life and inspired a genuine sense of wonder about the universe.”
The school would like to thank Space Odyssey for providing such an unforgettable educational experience that will continue to inspire learning long after the planetarium has gone.
Year One pupils from Redstart Primary School enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Somerset Libraries Chard, where they took part in a fun-filled session designed to inspire a love of reading.
During the visit, pupils shared stories and sang songs together before exploring the wide range of books available to borrow.
The experience helped encourage enthusiasm for reading and showed children how libraries can be exciting, welcoming spaces for learning and imagination.
The school would like to say a big thank you to Costa Chard for kindly providing delicious hot chocolate to keep everyone warm during the afternoon.
A spokesperson said: “Visits like this are invaluable for our pupils.
“Spending time in the library, sharing stories and discovering new books helps nurture a lifelong love of reading.
“We are very grateful to Somerset Libraries Chard for hosting us and to Costa Chard for their generous support.”
It was a day spent witnessing the engineering marvels of Isambard Brunel for Year 5 pupils from Redstart Primary School during a visit to Bristol.
The first stop on their whistle-stop tour was the Clifton Suspension Bridge, where pupils experienced the dizzying heights and striking architecture of the world-renowned structure. Completed in 1864 after more than 30 years of construction, the bridge offered a powerful introduction to Brunel’s ingenuity and vision.
The next destination was the SS Great Britain, the groundbreaking iron steamship launched in 1843.
Pupils stepped back in time as they boarded the vessel, meeting costumed characters and imagining what life might have been like for passengers and crew during the Victorian era. The immersive experience brought history vividly to life and deepened their understanding of the ship’s pioneering design.
A school spokesperson said: “This trip was an incredible opportunity for our pupils to see history come alive.
“Experiencing Brunel’s work firsthand helped them understand not just the scale of his achievements, but also the creativity and determination behind them.
“The children came away inspired, excited, and full of questions, exactly what learning should spark.”
Redstart Primary Academy’s Nursery has received a generous financial boost from a major local superstore, thanks to the Tesco Stronger Starts community voting scheme. The Nursery was presented with a cheque for £1,330, following customers’ blue-token votes in support of the academy’s shortlisted project.
Tesco Stronger Starts provides funding to schools, clubs, and local groups, enabling them to make a real difference within their communities. Each time customers shop in Tesco stores, they are given a blue token to vote for one of three local good causes. The cause with the most votes receives the top grant.
The Nursery will use this funding to upgrade and enhance their home corner, providing pupils with an enriched learning environment and improved opportunities for imaginative play.
Rebecca Collins, Principal of Redstart Primary Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tesco and to everyone in our local community who voted for us.
“This funding will make a real difference to our children, helping us create a more inspiring and engaging space for their early learning and development.”
Year five and six pupils from Redstart Primary School celebrated the children’s carnival in Chard with gusto.
The youngsters demonstrated “fantastic enthusiasm” and “exemplary behaviour” at the community event, themed around The Greatest Showman.
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