CHILDREN at Cotherstone Primary School last week learned about the work of vets and community first responders.
The visits by professionals this term forms part of the pre-school and reception classes’ topic, called “people who can help us” .
Previously, they have welcolmed by a farmer and a doctor who told them about the work they do. Last week Richard Matthews, a vet who lives in the village, discussed the different types of ailments pets might have.
He asked the pupils what they thought the big difference was between people and animals when it comes to finding out what is wrong with them. He added: “When you go see the doctor, you can tell them what is wrong with you. Animals can’t tell you what is wrong with them so we have to try to work out what is wrong with them by looking at them.”
He added that the children could tell if an animal is unwell if it stops eating, or if they start lying around and don’t want to go for a walk.
Mr Matthews said it is important for children to know about the different professions.
He added: “Who knows, maybe some of them may become vets themselves?”
Later in the day community first responder Susan Bainbridge visited the school.
Teacher Jennie Lee added: “I thought it very important for the children to learn about the recovery position.”
A member of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team who lives in Cotherstone will also be visiting the school to tell the children about the service.
