Redstart Forest School Initiative

This exciting feature of school life is enjoyed by pupils in KS1&2. (Timetable)

Children are encouraged to respect the environment they live in, by learning about different aspects of it - whatever the weather!
This year each pupil has had ‘hands-on’ experience in hedge-laying, fence building, planting, fire safety, knot tying, tent-erecting, shelter building, outdoor cooking (using food that the children have grown in the school garden), safe use of tools and many other seasonal activities.
A very important part of Forest School is team work, and children are rewarded for their efforts in working well together.

Forest School sessions are led by Mr Terrett, Mrs Duke & Mrs Darch, assisted by Miss Cree and various Classroom Assistants.

Tepee

The Tepee was acquired in order to provide a sheltered work space outside.
It can be used by pupils on Forest school days or for other groups of children as required.
The shape and material give the interior of the Tepee a very special feeling and helps the children to focus on their activities, which creates a very cooperative environment.
It is designed so that a fire can be lit in the middle, & our hope is that during the winter months, it will provide a wonderful refuge for Forest school children to warm up on icy winter days!

The children have been enjoying tidying up the school grounds and collecting all the fallen leaves. The best part has been having the chance to dive into the huge pile of gathered leaves at the end of the session! The children have also had the opportunity learn how to make a rope ladder and to practise their knot tying skills.

Then there's nothing like finishing the day off around the camp fire waithing for your hot chocolate to warm up!

Redstart Natural Wildlife Area & Pond

For several years the school has had a pond with a flexible rubber lining. Unfortunately this was often damaged, resulting in considerable water loss.This made it difficult for sustained environmental development. We therefore decided  to deepen the pond and line it with concrete in order to provide a more durable aquatic environment.
At the moment, the children are working very hard to turn the pond area into a haven for frogs, newts, dragonflies & other local wildlife.