Editor's choice February 2011

Balsall Heathan February 2011

Consultation Success at Tindal School Shapes Early Years Outside Area

Foundation stage children at Tindal School have a new outside learning environment following the redevelopment of part of the schools site. Consultations with parents, pupils, governors and staff over a six-month period resulted in the school setting aside funding for the exciting project to go ahead. Now the once overgrown and underused resource is a major attraction for the whole school providing a host of fun and exciting learning opportunities.

Tumble Hill

The redeveloped area had been used as a growing area in the past but it was felt had the potential to offer much more. Now the projects that capitalised on the growing opportunities sit along side exciting play equipment and outdoor classroom areas that will allow the school to carryout science based projects, drama and literacy. Nicknamed ‘Tumble Hill’ part of the new play area offers the children a tunnel to crawl through and balance bars and steps to walk along.

The inclusion of a paved undulating and winding track is just one example of how the new resource can offer new learning opportunities. As well as being used as a play area the track provides opportunities to learn about road safety, encourages the development of coordination skills and is intended to be used as a means of enhancing story telling.

Very Keen to Learn

Deputy Head Teacher Deborah Fulford said of the project, “It’s about real life experiences that you don’t get in the Classroom. The children love it. You can see it in their eyes. You can see the eagerness to get out there. They really really want to be out there whether it’s frosty, snowy, they want to get out there and they want to learn. That’s the environment that has been created for them that has caused that. They are toppling over each other to get out there. Now unfortunately we have to find more stimulating activities to keep them indoors”.

Future Projects

The success that has accompanied the redevelopment has given the school the impetus to develop another outdoor resource. With some of the ideas being talked about centring on literacy and reading areas the school has an exciting time ahead.