Show & tell goes wrong as police called to Sheffield primary school over pupil's inactive "WW2 shell"
“As you know we are always delighted that our children share their learning and memories of their holiday”
Teachers felt the need to call police for advice after a child brought in an unusual show and tell piece - a training missile.
It is understand the artefact - which was initially believed to be a World War Two shell - was brought into Birley Spa Primary Academy today (June 19) by a pupil, who’d taken it as memento from a recent holiday.
However, stunned staff decided it best to call for advice on the safety of the device, and placed it at the “far side of the school” while waiting for assistance.
A spokesperson for the school told The Star: "We can confirm that an item brought onto the school site was identified by the relevant authorities as an inactive Second World War shell.
"The school followed appropriate safety procedures, and all pupils and staff remained safe at all times. Following assessment by the relevant authorities, no risk to pupils, staff or the wider school community was identified, and the school day continued as normal."
Parents were sent a letter during the school day in which they reassured that there is “absolutely nothing to worry about.”
The letter, which was seen by The Star, reads: “We just wanted to send a message of reassurance after a child brought in a memento of their recent holiday - a WWII artefact - this morning.
“We felt it best to have this checked by the authorities to ensure that this was safe. As a precaution, this was placed on the far side of the school site while waiting for advice, which was praised as good practice.
“We have been reassured that this was a shell left over from WWII and is absolutely nothing to worry about.
“Please be reassured that the safety of pupils, staff and families is always our absolute priority and this was recognised by the appropriate authorities in taking the right course of action.”
The letter goes on to say the rest of the school day would be unaffected, adding: “As you know we are always delighted that our children share their learning and memories of their holidays and hope that they will continue to show such curiosity and love of learning in the future.”
Police have confirmed that the device has been recovered for destruction, and believe it to be a training missile.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “The item is believed to be a 1980s or 90s training missile.
“EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) attended and believe the item to be harmless but have recovered it for destruction.”