Rachel Webb, a vet from the Highcroft Veterinary Group practice, visited Vallis First School in Frome last week to give them an insight into real life veterinary work.

Her visit really brought alive the Science that the children in Years 1 and 2 have been learning.

Rachel explored the needs of animals in order to stay fit and healthy

d showed the pupils how to check out using a toy dog.

There was much enthusiasm as children dressed as vets and were asked to check toy animals' heartbeats, ears and for other signs of illness. The children were fascinated to look at X-rays of different animals and were particularly interested to learn that Rachel has removed sewing needles, bouncy balls , a rubber duck and even a pair of pants from an animal's stomach.

She talked to the children about foods that can be dangerous to different animals.

The children were able to link what they had heard to thinking about their own pet animals' needs and asked really interesting questions. At Vallis School children are encouraged to be Wise Owls - a way of being reflective and asking great questions to use their existing understanding to link up with what they already know.