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Outdoor Development
 About the School |
| Derbyshire Wildlife Trust |
| RBS Supergrounds scheme |
| Forest Schools |
| Big Schools' Birdwatch |
2009 will be a great year for the development of our outdoor facilities. We have been successful in bidding for money and support to help us in developing the school grounds, and also equipment to help us explore the wider environment.
Grounds for Change We were successful in bidding to participate in the 'Grounds for Change' scheme, which is run by the Wildlife Trust. This scheme is already underway, with a visit from Louise Valentine, who helped the children to plant a Wildflower Meadow outside Miss Keem's classroom. While we wait for the meadow to develop, it is being guarded by our newest member of the school team, our very own scarecrow! We are also developing a bird area outside the computer suite (thanks to Mr Hall for helping with the ground work and flagging). Thanks also to Sylvia Garratt our school governor who has worked in conjunction with the Wildlife Trust to do the bird area. |
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In December, our Year 2 children made 9 bird boxes, bird feeders and fat balls to go up in the school grounds, and we are planning to participate in the RSPB Big Schools' Birdwatch (see link on the left for more information). The children and Sylvia Garratt, together with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, also planted over 300 spring flowering bulbs. Mrs Garrett says "We can't wait for spring to bring them to life ! Every child in the school planted bulbs - some they brought in themselves ( we had a great response ). The Wildlife Trust provided some wild daffodil and native English bluebell bulbs which we put under the big trees near the top gate." |
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Supergrounds
We have also been successful in bidding for a 'Supergrounds' award, a Royal Bank of Scotland scheme which provides practical and financial help for nine months to plan, develop and implement our school grounds project.
The project will devlop the top of the playground into a storytellers area and an enchanted garden. Developments include a storytellers chair, possibly carved from a tree trunk, a collection of tree stumps for children to sit on, developing and renovating the wooden playhouse, twisty paths and paved area, and raised flower beds planted with shade-loving plants. We may also put a pond into the school grounds.
We are very grateful to Mandy Parkes (who led the bid), Jane Moore, and The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Growing Together We have also received £7,700 from Derbyshire County Council, to help us develop the school grounds for growing. With this money we plan to:
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 Year 2 pupils planting trees |
Forest Schools
We are working together with Hadfield Nursery School on a project known as Forest Schools, where children engage with the outdoor environment to develop learning and key skills i.e. confidence, co-operation, planning and working together on projects.
Please check back, and a gallery of photographs will be added as the grounds are developed.
Links
