A typical day could see the children being firefighters, looking at toys old and new, listening to stories, or trying out their new computer suite.

Anything is possible at the school in Galsworthy Road, South Shields.

Headteacher Myra Edwards said: "A fireman came to visit and brought equipment for the children to play with, and they thoroughly enjoyed getting dressed up as firefighters, putting out pretend fires as part of their project."

Parents often drop into the school to help with the learning process, and recently they brought in toys they played with when they were little, allowing pupils to compare the difference between toys past and present.

Mrs Edwards said: "We looked at toys from the old days which parents had kept and brought in for the children to look at.

"They loved them, and I think they found it fascinating that not all toys required batteries."

Teachers feel speech and listening are highly important, and each classroom is fitted with a listening centre where pupils can listen to stories with headphones.

"We have a girl in the school who is visually impaired," explained Mrs Edwards.

"She has gone all through this school since nursery, and we have a teacher who comes in and teaches her Braille.

"We also have a group of parents who visit once a month for a coffee morning and help out with the children.

"Sponsored by Working Links, they designed and created a dragon costume for the Chinese New Year, and the children wore the costume. We have put it away and will be keeping it for next year."

The pupils are also looking forward to the new playground, which is near completion.

Mrs Edwards said: "We have a new playground opening very soon, and the children can't wait. We are also opening it to the public after 3pm.

"However, I must stress it is for young children, as we have had some interest from the parents asking if they can use it themselves.

"There are swings, an unusual slide and talking flowers which work as a kind of telephone. Children can speak to each other on the other side of the playground."

And it doesn't stop there: the school's packed calendar has plenty more in store over the coming months.

Mrs Edwards added: "We also have a few big events coming up, including a growing week in May, as we have planted things in our very own allotment.

"There is also a carnival week, and we'll be working with two other schools on this."