Outdoor Learning

Vision

At Hayes Park School, we want to ensure our outdoor learning provision is of high quality and is engaging for all pupils, as well as providing alternative learning opportunities for those who find traditional classroom constraints a challenge.

Forest School

Forest School is an inspirational educational experience that offers children the opportunity to develop confidence and self-esteem through a hands-on approach in a woodland environment. Children are motivated by exciting and achievable experiences and opportunities throughout the year in almost all weathers. Children will develop an understanding of the natural world. They will use tools, learn to cooperate and work with their peers and adults and develop strategies in order to take risks within the boundaries of safety. Through regular Forest School sessions, we aim for children to become more self-aware, resilient and empathetic towards others. Children will be encouraged to identify and manage emotions independently and take ownership of their learning, motivating them to have a go and learn from their mistakes.

Eco Dome/Wildlife Area

The school Eco Dome provides the perfect environment for growing vegetables and plants as well as a great space for children to dig, water plants, pull up weeds or simply look and learn regardless of the weather.
Our Wildlife Area allows for learning about nature, such as identifying plants and trees, reflecting on their important role and considering the needs of wildlife habitats. Research shows that contact with the wild improves children’s wellbeing, motivation and confidence.

Teachers and children are able to use the areas to scaffold learning of different topics.

Sensory Garden

Our sensory garden allows the children to watch, touch, hear and smell their surroundings as they play and learn in a calming environment encouraging the use of new vocabulary.

Engaging with nature is important for the development of all children as it gives them opportunities to learn, exercise and socialise with others in a more holistic way. Spending time in nature can also be beneficial for mental health as sensory gardens are a way of enriching children's daily lives.

In addition to plants and flowers, you could even add in some wind chimes, bird feeders and other garden accessories to enhance the sensory experience. However, a school sensory garden can be just as effective without these things. Being able to hear the wind and sounds of the world will allow students to practise mindfulness and focus on their own thoughts.

Visitors to school

Our outdoor environment has allowed us to host an array of outdoor experiences for our children. We have held many sports days, SEN sports festivals, travelling farms, and regular therapy visits from The Donkey Sanctuary.

We are always looking for volunteers to help us maintain our outside areas, including weeding and planting; please contact us if you feel able to help!