THREE teachers from Steeton Primary School have been on a fact-finding trip to Rome to learn more about the Italian education system.

Head of school Kevin Wheeler, Key Stage 2 co-ordinator Susan Wheeler and Key Stage 1 co-ordinator Jim Daft visited four partner schools during their week-long stay.

They examined differences and similarities between the two countries' educational set-ups and shared expertise.

The visit was staged as part of the Erasmus+ programme, which enables staff and pupils to visit other European countries for studies or training.

Mr Wheeler said: "As part of our European development plan, we had many objectives we wished to achieve on this visit.

"One particular one was around the integration of children from different backgrounds and cultures.

"The use of music and drama to integrate all ethnicities and cultures and to improve language competence impressed us and is something we feel we could use more of in our school, especially with regards to EAL (English as an additional language) pupils."

To develop the initiative, the school will take part in an e-twinning project – Our Shared Heritage – with its partner schools in Rome in September, and more projects will follow.