CHILDREN at Peasedown St John Primary School were treated to a special afternoon recently when representatives from the RSPCA visited their school.

The staff led interactive sessions with pupils from Year 5 and Year 6.

Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said: “We’re very grateful to the RSPCA, one of the most respectable and well-established animal welfare charities in the country, for visiting us at Peasedown St John Primary School.

“The pupils learnt about the five welfare needs of animals and discussed sentience, to help them understand the importance of treating all animals with kindness. Our thanks to the RSPCA for leading such a great session!”

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, anyone responsible for an animal must meet its ‘Five Welfare Needs’: providing a suitable environment and diet, allowing normal behaviour, housing it appropriately with or apart from others, and protecting it from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.

The local Bath and District branch of the RSPCA is located at the Bath Cats & Dogs Home in Claverton Down.

The RSPCA is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and was founded over 200 years ago in 1824 – during the reign of King George IV.

The charity is the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the world. They investigate animal cruelty and neglect, rescues and cares for abused, neglected, or injured animals, and works to rehome them.

Ms Noall added: “They also campaign for animal welfare laws, educate the public on animal care, and provide support like low-cost veterinary care through their branches and centres, the organisation's mission is to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to all animals – so having them visit our school was a fortunate experience for us all.”

For more information about Peasedown St John Primary School visit their website www.psjprimary.co.uk and follow them on Facebook at @psjprimary