PUPILS at a Romsey school have had a pirate ship built for them after a trip to the historic Dockyard in Portsmouth.

A class teacher at Romsey Abbey Church of England Primary School, Church Lane, constructed the boat.

Pupils in the early years reception class now use the pirate boat for learning, playing and even as a quiet space to read.

Headteacher, Julie-Anne Palfrey said: “We are very fortunate to have a wonderful outdoor area to the early years classroom and also beautiful school grounds, which we use to enhance and enrich the children’s education.

“Our Forest School leader, Miss New, gives the children amazing opportunities to extend and enhance their learning outdoors and we benefit from having our own woodland area too.

“We encourage prospective parents to come and see us in action and speak to our staff and children.”

Early years teacher Jo Hobbs said: “I consider it both an honour and a privilege to teach. It is my job to create an environment and atmosphere where children feel loved, safe and secure, as this is when they learn best.

“The year is almost over so we are preparing the children for the move to Year One in September, so we work hard on developing the pupils’ reading and writing skills and furthering their mathematical ability. “

She added: “I am really looking forward to working with the children as they complete their learning journey in the Early Years Foundation Stage ready for moving into Year 1 in autumn.”

Ofsted also rated the pupils experiences in the early years as ‘outstanding’ in a recent report.

The report said: “Children settle quickly, are very happy and are extremely well looked after. They get off to a very strong start and thrive as they move through the Reception Year.”

Romsey Abbey Church of England Primary School teach religious education in line with the Hampshire Agreed Syllabus and hold a daily act of collective worship.

Each week, one of these is led by a member of the Romsey Abbey clergy team.