Pupils at a rural primary school have enjoyed a real spring term 'tweet' with the arrival of some fluffy friends.
The sound of chirping and the pitter patter of tiny webbed feet could be heard echoing in the rooms of Somerleyton Primary School this week courtesy of the fluffy threesome of ducklings - Derek, Daphne and Edmund.
Following the hatching of the three baby birds on Thursday (March 23) pupils, parents and staff have been going completely quackers with four more eggs set to hatch in the coming days!
Somerleyton Primary School headteacher Louise Spall explained: 'Although the ducklings are based in the lower school there has been a real buzz around the whole school - children keep bringing their parents in to see them and its hard to keep the teachers away from them too!
'Every year we try and do something similar to teach the children about life cycles – for example last year we had chicks and in the past we have had butterflies.'
She added: 'It's about bringing reality into the school. For the children to experience this first hand is so important as they can relate what they have seen with the ducklings hatching to what they have learnt in lessons.
'Also they are learning softer skills such as sharing with their friends as well as how to handle and care for animals.'
The pupils watched the hatching of the ducklings in their incubator before the three newborns were placed in a heated pen for youngsters to meet and greet the new arrivals as part of the hands-on learning experience.
Year Two pupil, Cian, said: 'Derek has really smooth legs but has very small nostrils.
'He has really tiny wings and they don't have feathers on them yet. He is really fluffy and I think he likes me.
'In class we learnt that the adults lay the eggs then the chicks peck their way out.'
The ducklings will remain in their warm pen at the school for one week before they are re-homed.
Do you have a school story? Call reporters on 01502 525832 or email simon.ward@archant.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here