PUPILS at Parrett and Axe Primary School were able to see first hand homes being built and learn about construction site safety.

Stonewater housing association invited 23 children to their development site near Windsor Close in Mosterton earlier this month to learn about equipment and health and safety as part of the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

The development includes 36 affordable homes and started construction in March 2018, in partnership with Dorset-based, Acheson Construction and Homes England.

Stonewater first started to work with the school back in September last year to understand any concerns the school may have with the construction site, located a five-minute drive away from the school.

Since then, the housing association has kept in close contact with the school to make sure that they are up-to-date with their project to minimise any inconvenience and help the school keep their pupils safe.

Simon Smith, headteacher at Parrett and Axe Primary School, said: “It was a great adventure to have spent the afternoon outside of the classroom.

“Our children really enjoyed their visit and want to thank Stonewater and Acheson for showing them around the site and sharing their knowledge.

“The chronic housing shortage in the area directly affects young families in our village.

“The main purpose of the visit was to teach the children about construction site safety. However, I believe it was an important message for the children to learn about why we need to build more homes for local people in villages like ours so that we can continue to sustain the school community for years to come.”

The tour, led by site staff, was to show the visiting children and teachers what is happening in their village, with the focus on staying safe when you live close to a building site.

Matthew Crucefix, Stonewater’s assistant director for development, said: “It was a wonderful idea to invite the pupils from Parrett and Axe Primary School to teach them about our work.”

Michael Childs, Acheson Construction site manager, added that it was important to “teach the younger local residents about the on-site safety in-depth” and showcase what they do foe communities.