After an investigation, they found the chief suspect – their very own Ben. The police officers had been keeping the toys in a classroom at the station as they were about to be shipped off to the charity.

Animal charities say it’s teaching the wrong lessons – but schools argue it inspires children to learn about the natural world. Watching duck eggs hatch in a classroom was a “wow” experience that brought the topic to life, says Sarah Holmes, teacher in Derby High School’s primary department.