For Newbury Park parents Faisal and Farhana Shaukat, finding a place for their triplets at the Aldborough E-Act Primary Free School was a massive relief.

The couple spent months trying, and failing to find a Redbridge school that would take their four-year-old daughters Rija, Hiba and son Aayan.

But yesterday the youngsters experienced their first day at the E-Act-run school in Aldborough Road South, Seven Kings – and they were all in the same class.

IT consultant and lecturer Mr Shaukat said: “I think it’s really important to have more involvement from parents.

“And coming from and academic background I know the advantage of the private sector in education.”

The parents also agree with the idea of a shorter, four week summer holiday.

Mrs Shaukat added: “It is beneficial because it takes a lot for children to get back to normal after the long six-week break.

“Like this they have more of a balance between learning and holidays.”

The pair applied to five other schools in Redbridge, including Downshall Primary School, opposite the free school, and Christchurch Primary School, Wellesley Road, Ilford, but none could take all three children together in the same class.

Their son Aayan was oblivious to the pioneering new institution. He was just happy to be playing in a big purple sand pit on his first day at school.