PUPILS at the new Kingsteignton School have been equipped with slippers and pairs of welly boots. All youngsters in the reception and Year 1 classes are supplied with the unlikely footwear in order to make the most of a ‘down to earth’ approach to education. The children spend a lot of time outdoors playing in a mud kitchen and so are given wellies for outside use while the slippers help to keep their new building spick and span. Headteacher Dr Penny Fitch said: ‘They’ve taken to the new routines beautifully and are enjoying wearing their slippers in the classroom. ‘The new classroom has been furnished with pale wood tables, chairs, shelves and storage units that have wicker baskets. These features have created a calm and tranquil space and the children have responded very well to a more neutral learning environment than is usually seen in a reception classroom. ‘The muted colours mean it is the learning through play that stimulates them rather than the bright colours normally seen in classrooms designed for the youngest pupils.’ The new free school has opened due to the expansion of housing in Kingsteignton and will be able to accommodate up to 420 pupils and a nursery of 60 within the next few years. Initially the campus has been located within the grounds of St Michael’s C of E Primary School, although a new-build is planned for Newcross where classes are planned to start next autumn. Visit www.kingsteigntonschool.org for details.