Ducklings at Newport Primary School.
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A DOZEN dinky ducklings cool off from the baking heat in a makeshift pond at Newport Primary School.
The family has caused quite a flap among pupils, who returned from their spring holiday to find the new arrivals in the school courtyard.
Liz Thorne, deputy head, said the area was barricaded after the mother duck was seen building a nest in a secluded corner towards the end of March and the school caretakers noticed there were eggs.
“When we came back after spring break, we noticed she was sitting quite high up and then the ducklings emerged,” she said.
“One of the teachers bought a little paddling pool and they seem quite happy in there.”
They have come to recognise the dinner bell, coming out for food when it rings at noon.
However, mindful the ducklings should not become tame, staff have ensured the children keep their distance.