Forest School developments

 The little area around the back of the school is slowly taking shape...

...even after the staff  'all hands on deck' day last Summer it would have been tricky to picture its gradual evolution into what the children see and experience at present.

The inspiration for the wickerwork teepee came after having some large lengths of hazel left over and I thought it would be good to create an area of calm reflection (whether or not the kids can sit still for long enough is another matter, but it is good to encourage!)

One of the Year 3 pupils is still storming ahead in the 'tallest sunflower' contest...

The willow arch has all taken root and showing vigorous growth...

At the top corner of this picture you can see the little watery oasis that has been created to hopefully bring some frogs into the garden...there are already some pondskaters and other invertebrates on view...

And the potatoes and pumpkins are out and thriving...

All of this activity and creation is giving the Forest School pupils  a wide and varied topic to unpick. Some of the sessions are investigative, as they are fascinated by all the developments but they still really enjoy the loose play aspects that are encouraged; mud kitchen and messy play being some of their favourites.

The whole area has been a revelation, as the more you put in, the more they get out.