Youngsters take their lessons into the great outdoors

Pupils and staff at Meadow View Primary School, Kimberworth, are seen celebrating recently at the opening of their new forest area

Meadow View Primary’s Forest School has been developed with the help of three firms, Countrywide, Transform Schools and ENGIE.

Jenni Logan, assistant head for learning and teaching at the Kimberworth school, said: “The children feel like they have been on a school trip when they go up to Forest School. The excitement and enthusiasm oozes from them.

“When in Forest School, they often become mesmerised by the amazing views over Rotherham.

“The football fans enjoy spotting New York Stadium, while others enjoy spotting the church and other landmarks.

“It helps them to greater understand the community that they belong to and helps to give them a sense of pride in their home town.

“The Forest School is littered with fruit growing such as apples, pears, plums, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.”

The new outdoor resource has also been used for nature craft activities, insect hunting, tree-climbing, story-telling, treasure hunts and baking.

Foundation stage pupils visit for Muddy Mondays, Welly Wednesdays and Forest Fridays.

Mrs Logan said: “Children help to pick the fruits and use them to bake, sell or eat. This helps to give the children a respect for nature and to understand where their food comes from.

“This area will be invaluable to our children and the school community and we cannot thank Countrywide, Transform Schools and ENGIE enough.”

Head teacher Karen Smith added: “We are so proud of the Forest School. Here at Meadow View Primary, we ensure children are hooked, excited and engrossed in their learning.

“The area provides opportunities for children to develop in all areas of the curriculum, with planned opportunities for maths and literacy.

“We believe that childhood should be celebrated and children should access a wide range of activities and experiences.”