Thrapston Primary School launches Forest School to support children's wellbeing

Thrapston Primary School has launched a Forest School as a nurture group for Year 1 pupils to support wellbeing and social skills, and the site was developed from an unused corner of the field with wide community donations.

Thrapston Primary School has opened a Forest School delivered as a nurture group for a small number of Year 1 pupils. The sessions aim to provide a calm, supportive space where pupils can build confidence, wellbeing and social skills such as teamwork, collaboration and communication. Over the past year the site was developed from an unused section of the school field into an outdoor learning area with a storage shed, painting easel, digging area, fire pit and a range of child-sized resources. Many features and materials were handmade or donated by the local community. Key details: - The Forest School sessions were offered as a nurture group for a small group of Year 1 pupils, focusing on confidence, wellbeing and social interaction. - Activities were planned to support physical development, including fine and gross motor skills, balance and coordination, and to foster a sense of belonging. - The site has been transformed from an unused corner of the field and now includes a shed, outdoor easel, digging area, fire pit and a variety of resources. - Many items were donated or handmade by community members, including pallets, cable reels used as tables, blankets for dens, gardening tools, natural loose parts and even a piano; a Little Tikes log cabin was loaned by Reception pupils. - Sessions have been led by Year 5 teacher and Social Media Lead Rhianna O'Reilly, who is training toward a recognised Forest School qualification fully funded by the school. - The school is fundraising to install fencing around the Forest School area; a local company has pledged some funding but additional support is needed. Summary: The Forest School is intended to give a small group of pupils regular access to child-led outdoor learning that supports wellbeing and development, and the project reflects broad community involvement in creating the space. The school is continuing to develop the area and is fundraising to add fencing; there are longer-term aspirations to open sessions more widely, including parent-and-child activities for under-fives, subject to future resources and capacity.