St. Mary’s Primary School Outdoor Classroom Transformation
Challenge: St. Mary’s Primary School, located in an urban area with limited outdoor space, wanted to provide their students with opportunities for outdoor learning but lacked suitable facilities.
Solution: Outdoor Classrooms worked closely with St. Mary’s to design and install a bespoke outdoor classroom that maximized their available space. The design included seating areas, a covered teaching area, raised garden beds, and interactive learning stations.
Results: The new outdoor classroom has transformed the school’s approach to education, providing students with a dynamic environment for hands-on learning and exploration. Teachers report increased engagement and enthusiasm among students, who now have the opportunity to connect with nature and learn in a stimulating outdoor setting. The outdoor classroom has become a focal point of the school community, hosting a wide range of educational activities and events throughout the year.
Greenfield Nursery Outdoor Learning Garden
Challenge: Greenfield Nursery wanted to enhance their outdoor learning provision and create a stimulating environment where children could explore and discover the natural world.
Solution: Outdoor Classrooms collaborated with Greenfield Nursery to design and install a vibrant outdoor learning garden tailored to the needs of young children. The design incorporated sensory pathways, mud kitchens, storytelling circles, and wildlife habitats, providing opportunities for sensory exploration, imaginative play, and environmental learning.
Results: The new outdoor learning garden has had a transformative impact on the nursery’s curriculum, providing children with rich learning experiences that promote physical, cognitive, and social development. Teachers have observed increased curiosity and creativity among the children, who are eager to explore the outdoor environment and engage in hands-on learning activities. The outdoor learning garden has become a valued resource for the nursery, fostering a love of nature and outdoor play among children and staff alike.
Oakwood Academy Forest School Development
Challenge: Oakwood Academy, a special needs school, wanted to create a dedicated outdoor learning space that catered to the unique needs of their students and provided opportunities for sensory stimulation and therapeutic play.
Solution: Outdoor Classrooms worked closely with Oakwood Academy to design and develop a Forest School area within the school grounds. The Forest School included natural play features, sensory gardens, and accessible pathways, ensuring that all students could participate fully in outdoor learning activities.
Results: The Forest School has had a profound impact on the students at Oakwood Academy, providing a therapeutic and inclusive outdoor environment where students can learn, play, and connect with nature. Teachers have observed improvements in communication, confidence, and emotional well-being among students, who benefit from the sensory-rich experiences offered by the Forest School. The outdoor space has become a sanctuary for students, providing a calming and nurturing environment where they can thrive and succeed.