LESSONS in life and how to live it healthily were taught at Radipole Primary School when the Life Education van rolled up.

Life Education is a charity that teaches primary school children all about looking after themselves.

Each school year takes part in sessions that have been specially constructed to take into account the pupils’ age and needs.

These are delivered by specially-trained educators and each year, children increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed health choices.

Topics covered include how the body works, the importance of healthy diet and exercise, safe use of medicines, the risks of tobacco, alcohol and non-prescription drugs and emotional wellbeing.

Life Education was spending four days at Radipole and Year 3 pupils spent time in the charity’s specially-designed caravan learning about the human body, using a giant-sized illuminated model.

The 31 children were also helped by Life Education’s mascot, a giraffe hand puppet known as Harold.

Year 3 teacher Tamasine Ayles said: “The class is learning all about the human body so basically what they do with Life Education consolidates what they have already done with the curriculum.

“They learn all sorts of things, about their internal organs and also the health aspect of keeping healthy and fit and the impact if that.”

She added: “The children really enjoy their sessions with Life Education. As it comes back each year, they build up knowledge about looking after themselves.”

Radipole headteacher Sue Stockham is a trustee of Life Education Wessex, which works with schools and around 72,000 children across Dorset, Somerset and Devon every year She said: “Life Education brings a really important dimension to health education.

“Having someone come into the school always gives a little bit extra to the children and they always remember Harold.”

l Life Education visits all primary schools in Dorset. For further details log on to lifeeducationdorset.org.uk