WE’VE all heard of Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day but an East Dorset school turned the tables by inviting parents into the classroom.

Staff at Allenbourn Middle organised their return to class to see first-hand how their children get on at school in a special Year 5 shadowing week.

Head teacher, Cindy Pritchard, said: “This is the third time that we have held the Year 5 shadowing week for parents. They are invited to come in during that week and observe their children’s lessons.

“We find this event gives our mums and dads a real insight into their child’s learning as they immerse themselves into the lessons.”

During the week, parents got to sit in on a wide range of lessons, including maths, English, science, PE, French, technology, history, music, art and geography.

Afterwards they were asked to leave feedback.

One parent wrote: “Impressive control of the class by teachers in both lessons. Good explanation of tasks given.”

Another said: “It is great to see as a parent such a happy and integrated team in Allenbourn with the teachers and support staff working well together.”

And one said: “Brilliant lessons, lots of different styles of learning observed. The level of parent engagement at the school is excellent and always appreciated.”

Allenbourn Middle School is part of the Wimborne Academy Trust. Other schools in the trust are Colehill First School, Hayeswood First School, Merley First School, St John’s First School, St Michael’s Middle School and Witchampton First School.