Pupils at Fernhurst Primary School, near Haslemere, swapped their beds for classrooms as they enjoyed a super-sized sleepover designed to prepare them for future residential trips. The Key Stage 2 pupils said they: “Couldn't wait to sleep in school with their friends.” The evening kicked off with a karaoke session, followed by a laser tunnel adventure, games of ultimate tag, and countless rounds of hide-and-seek.

The night was wrapped up with mugs of hot chocolate in the hall before everyone settled into their camp beds and inflatable mattresses in classrooms for boys and girls for a movie night.

Parents were reassured that the event was planned with careful attention to safety and comfort, ensuring the children felt secure while enjoying their adventure. The night-time extra activity was put on to help prepare the children for the residential experiences that are offered in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, with the hope that any potential homesickness could be put to bed.

Jennifer Thornton, Headteacher of Fernhurst Primary, part of the University of Chichester Academy Trust, said: “Everyone had a great time at our special school sleepover and the children thoroughly enjoyed the event.

“We hope that this experience will help pupils to feel confident about staying away from home for our many upcoming residential trips at Fernhurst.

“I would like to thank our dedicated teachers who love to make these additional opportunities available to our children – without them, this supersized sleepover would not have been possible.”