The Infant School shares a large playing field and several playgrounds with the Junior School and the usage is clearly timetabled to allow each school maximum use of the areas.
Over recent years we have worked hard to develop the outdoor area, and now flower beds and planters create a wildlife haven for our children (and many insects/small creatures) to enjoy as well as a developing ‘Forest School’ area.
Forest School is a specialised learning process, which offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. Each class will have access to Forest School weekly.
Miss Lynch, Miss Legg and Mrs Esaw will be leading a Forest School Programme for all the children each week. The benefits of conducting learning in a natural environment will enhance the development of children’s confidence, resilience, independence and creativeness.
Each session will allow them to focus on personal, social and technical skills and this will overlap with the enquiry-based learning approach in our curriculum.
It will also enhance the use of the characteristics of learning seen through our Hartford Heroes.
Children will need to bring in their wellies and suitable clothing to ensure they can participate in their weekly session outside.
They will be outside in all weathers with their teachers and supportive Teaching Assistants and will be encouraged to be involved in all the activities. We will update the Facebook page with photos of these exciting sessions.