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Children were given a stash of cash and told to go and find themselves a job.

The life lesson was all part of a fun day out for pupils from Freshwaters Primary Academy, in School Lane, Harlow.

The whole school trip saw children become among the first to try out the new KidZania child-size city in London.

They were given the freedom to roam around the pretend world, armed with their kidZos cash, where they could spend at the shops and then take on jobs to earn more.

Children were given opportunities to get involved in more than 60 real life role play activities in the bank, on stage or fighting crime on the streets as police officers.

Teresa Avey, assistant head at Freshwaters, said: “KidZania is such an amazing, child-centred place which gives children a rare opportunity to have a day in the life of an adult. Teachers and parents are asked to leave the children to their own devices and not step in and assist as they move around the world, making decisions on what money to spend or what jobs to take on.”

Each role play experience is designed to teach children essential life skills, including financial literacy, team work and independence.

They are able to complete tasks to earn more kidZos cash, which can be saved up and used on future visits.

Mrs Avey said: “From the outset, the children are made aware the money is their responsibility. Once it is spent, they know it is down to them to take on a job and earn more. They had the option to take their cash to the bank and exchange it for a debit card. That was a great lesson for them as they then had to keep a tally in their heads of what they had spent and what they had left. With children seeing adults using cards all the time, it taught them they are still spending actual money.

“While some of our children were working in the A&E department, a phone rung and they were called to an emergency. The children got into an ‘ambulance’ and made their way to the scene, where the children working for the fire service and police were also in attendance.

“KidZania gives children complete independence which they will not have experienced before. It was an invaluable experience for all of our children in different ways, from reception up to the oldest children. They all absolutely loved it.”