We are delighted to announce the introduction of the innovative Forest School outdoor learning programme to our curriculum.  The programme, which has gained nationwide recognition as a highly effective way of introducing children to the great outdoors, will enable our children to develop a range of transferable skills in a fun and engaging manner.

Rosie Phipps, Nursery Manager at our Norfolk Road setting, has become the Outdoor Learning and Forest School Leader, having recently completed her level three qualification. She will focus on developing the children’s skills to enhance their self-awareness, problem solving, teamwork and social communication.

Hayley Fox, Senior Nursery Manage explained: ‘’Children have a great affinity with nature and the great outdoors, which in turn can inspire curiosity and wonder. The rear gardens of our nurseries provide an ideal environment for our children to assimilate knowledge and develop a range of skills.  With the Forest School programme, children learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks, use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Part of the approach is to invite them to use full sized outdoor tools to play and learn boundaries of behaviour, both physical and social. Through the programme they will learn basic survival skills, respect for nature and how to make dens and shelters.’’  She added, ‘’Research shows that educational outdoor play and learning can be really beneficial to young children. Rosie has worked very hard to achieve her new qualification and we look forward to seeing how much it will improve the development of our children.”