BUG hotels, expressive arts, climbing trails, den making, mud kitchens and large-scale weaving – all of these are now being enjoyed in a new ‘outdoor classroom’ by the youngester pupils at Horfield CE Primary.
Following a successful bid to the John James Foundation for a grant of £4000, with additional funds provided by the school and its School Association, a collaboration was established with Cosy Direct – specialists in natural resources for Early Years – to design a stimulating and engaging environment.
Construction took place over the summer holidays so the learning space was ready for the new reception children when they started at the school in Bishop Manor Road in early September.
Laurel Steel, Horfield’s assistant head and early years lead, was instrumental in bringing the project to life and was excited about what it would mean for the children.
She explained: “Our aim was to make learning irresistible, to have an open-ended, versatile space for children to explore and use their imagination. It was important to us to have somewhere that connected with nature and the environment that would promote learning through social play and freedom. To do this well, you need high-quality resources. And to give an invitation to play.”
The all-weather, wooden, durable zones also include large blocks for creating buildings and vehicles, an engineering section with water pumps and pulleys, planting areas and a stained-glass windowed treehouse for reading and calm time. The remainder of the funding was used to stock sheds with new resources and equipment.
This new space is part of a wider change at Horfield CE School, which received academy status when it joined the Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) at the end of July.
Visits can be booked to explore the new outdoor space, meet the early years team and tour the school.
On October 15, a stay-and-play session invites children and families to come and enjoy the new facilities for themselves.
Details of days and times for visits can be found on the school website: www.horfieldceprimaryschool.org