We have a commitment to outdoor learning here at Easington. Every child, from EYFS to Year 6, accesses regular forest school sessions throughout the year within curriculum time.
Forest Schools is a holistic way of learning, meaning that it is a whole child way of learning covering social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and character building for each child. There are opportunities to take risks and learn in settings with wider boundaries. Enthusiasm and dedication by professionally qualified staff fires the imagination of each individual to have a sense of awe and wonder of the natural world and achievement in their own skills. The value of the natural environment is beneficial for sustaining good mental health within our very busy world.
The children are encouraged to investigate & explore but also to respect all living things. Children learn best from first-hand experiences. Exploring and learning using a range of activities (both designed by the leader and instigated by the children themselves) with no expectations attached, is what forest schools are all about. Building a sense of independence, high self-esteem and teamwork are important parts of Forest Schools, but health and safety considerations are always of paramount importance.
We value outdoor learning and Forest Schools very highly at Easington. The benefits on children’s mental health and wellbeing cannot be understated, making Forest Schools and the use of outdoor spaces a high priority at our school.
We are incredibly lucky to have such beautiful school grounds at Easington Primary Academy. Throughout the year our playing field and the surrounding trees play host to all manner of wonderful wildlife – foxes, badgers, herds of Roe Deer and even the occasional Grey Squirrel. Our children and their families have put up lots of bird boxes which are regularly in use during the spring and summer, and we even have our very own Barn Owl box in the school roof!!
The children are able to go on nature walks around the grounds, taking their classroom learning outside. We have a super camp fire pit with natural logs to sit on, and there is a mature pond with dipping platform and brand new bench.
