Jane McFadyen

“The hens are a very welcome addition to us all here at Newburn Manor Primary School. My Dad kept hens when I was a kid, so when we were given the opportunity to work with HenPower, I jumped at the chance.

“I think it’s really important for the children to learn about care and compassion towards animals and people, and this gives us a brilliant opportunity to do both.

“As a school, we are always very positive about developing links with the community and in having hens, not only are the kids brimming with enthusiasm, we’ve had parents and grandparents up at the school offering help and advice. And last week, a little troupe of Newburn HenPals made the first of what we hope to be many exchange visits with older people at The Grange Day Centre. Some of the men there had first-hand knowledge of keeping hens during the war, and our children loved learning from them and exchanging their tips and tricks. The kids are keen to share their hens with the older people who can’t keep them at their day centre because they have no garden space. It’s a win win situation.

“We’ve had a special hen assembly and everyone is coming into school with chicken facts and pictures to put up on our ‘Henformation’ board, and we’ve got some fantastic artwork planned. One of the Hensioners told us he used to be a foreman welder, and the children are keen to perhaps work with him to create some sculptures for our Hen Den. The possibilities are endless as having hens fits into so many parts of the curriculum. We’re already hatching plans for chicks in the Spring.”