A FAIRTRADE shop has opened inside a specialist academy in Weymouth for children with disabilities.

All the goods on sale in the shop at Wyvern Academy in Dorchester Road are ethically sourced as part of the school’s status as a co-operative academy.

Headteacher Sue Hoxey said: “The shop is being staffed and operated by the children and is really useful for developing work related learning. It is a real asset to the school with staff, pupils and others able to buy things.

“It is helping with numeracy and with life skills.

“The pupils who are serving in the shop are learning what it is like to be in work and to carry out tasks such as checking that stock is on display, pricing, taking money and giving change.

“Those who are using the shop are learning how to use and the value of money. This will enable students to develop skills to use when out in the community and the fact that everything is Fair Trade is helping students of all ages to think about the source of the products they buy and to make choices about them.

“More than anything else they all love using the till and helping customers with their shopping.

“Some of the teachers are also finding it handy.”