Grant boosts outdoor learning for pupils

Chetwynde School will further improve its outdoor learning opportunities for pupils thanks to a grant from a charitable trust and support from local companies.

The school has received funding from the Sue Peaple Trust, which was set up in memory of a well-respected educator, to develop its Forest School provision.

Janet Brown, a senior teaching assistant who holds the Forest School Leader qualification, said work will begin in the summer.

“We are looking to maximise the use of the beautiful grounds and enhance the provision of Forest Schools and outdoor learning for pupils of all ages and senior students completing the John Muir award,” she said.

“This includes developing resources and zones to maximise the area surrounding our outdoor classroom including an improved fire pit, making improvements to our allotment area and installing a greenhouse which was purchased with money raised by pupils, renovate a quiet garden space and begin to prepare a new strip of land by initial planting.”

She said two other senior teaching assistants had recently completed their Forest School Leaders qualification and the school had been supported by South Lakes Tree Surgeons and Landscaping, Stuart Park Landscapes and Knipe Milk.

“Chetwynde recognises the value of children spending time outdoors and making a connection to nature either within the school grounds or within the local community, allowing holistic, multi-sensory and practical learning to occur in a different way outside the classroom.

“We have been fortunate to receive a grant from the Sue Peaple Trust towards developing Forest School provision. The charitable trust was set up by Sue’s family in her memory to assist local projects supporting inclusion as Sue was a well- respected special educational needs teacher.”

The grant will pay for tools, hammocks, items for Forest play and fire-lighting equipment as well as to help fund further training at the school, which is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.

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