Burton school praised as ‘highly ambitious’ as they create new forest school sessions to help more youngsters to benefit from learning outdoors.
Grange School, in Shobnall Close, Burton on Trent, has seen pupils bug hunting, designing weave sculptures and toasting marshmallows on an outdoor firepit after adapting an underused area of the school site to help children learn outdoors.
The 153-strong infant school, which caters for 2 to 7 year olds, was given a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in its latest inspection after staff were praised for placing ‘pupils at the centre of all they do’.
The report, which describes ‘Grange as a special place’ comes just months after staff adapted an area of the school grounds to create a new outdoor learning area with mud kitchens and insect homes.
Rebecca Cox, Headteacher at Grange School, said it was excited to be offering new experiences and opportunities to children and welcomed the report which praised its staff and pupils’ commitment.
“We are immensely proud of our pupils, staff and wider community who work tirelessly to support our children.
Rebecca cox, headteacher at Grange school
“As an urban school being able to offer facilities for children to learn about the environment around them and to connect with nature is so important.
“Movement outside is a critical life opportunity which enables children to explore, go on adventures, learn and build up their confidence.
“We are proud to be recognised for all of our hard work and the positive learning environments that we have created indoors and outdoors for each and every child.”
Part of the Central Cooperative Learning Trust Ofsted praised how, ‘Children get off to a strong start within the Nursery and Reception classes’ with a ‘well-thought-out curriculum’ enabling ‘the children to achieve the knowledge and skills they need to prepare them for next steps.’
It also highlighted, leaders ‘highly ambitious’ plans for the school and the ‘shared passion’ for ‘providing the best for the pupils and community they serve.’
Community support for the school was also strong with parents being ‘very positive about the school’. Pupils with SEND also have ‘their needs identified as quickly and accurately as possible due to the rigorous systems in place.’
Richard Simcox CEO at the Central Co-operative Learning Trust, said that outdoor learning was a huge part of life in the Trust which encouraged all children to explore and learn from the world around them.
“Children are innately curious so learning through play and being outdoors is an important part of growing up and builds strong neuro and physical development.
richard simcox, ceo at the central co-operative learning trust
“Grange School should be very proud of all their hard work providing the very best opportunities for our children and we look forward to seeing how the forest school sessions develop.”
The British Association for Early Education reports that outdoor learning benefits brain and body functioning by improving health, social and emotional wellbeing and is particularly important for children’s early year’s development.
Grange School, which is the infant school for Burton Fields School, in Outwoods Street, is currently looking to further develop its outdoor resources and hopes to eventually create an outdoor ‘classroom’ with log seating to help further develop its outdoor learning program.
The Central Co-operative Learning Trust was formed in November 2017 and is made up of nine Midlands schools including six based in Staffordshire. Others in the Trust include William Shrewsbury Primary School, in Stretton, Outwoods Primary School and Burton Fields School, in Burton, and John of Rolleston Primary School, in Rolleston.
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