Outdoor Learning Environment

At Flushdyke School , we believe that every child should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development. In order to achieve this, we are developing our school grounds, to create a safe and stimulating environment which will enhance children’s learning.

We believe that the improvements we have already made, as well as those planned for the future will:

·        Increase learning opportunities for children

·        Create a stimulating recreational environment for children

·        Improve natural habitats for wildlife

·        Provide a more aesthetically pleasing working environment for all users of

      the premises

The work undertaken will also help to address four of the outcomes of Every Child

Matters;  being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving and making a positive

contribution. 

The overall plan includes a number of individual projects which combine to meet the

above aims.

Woodland Project

In 2004 we planted two areas of woodland on the school premises in areas which were being underused for recreational purposes.  We planted over 600 native trees through the “Newleaf” scheme which was supported by the Forestry Commission, Wakefield Council, the Countryside Agency and Groundwork Trust.  We also enlisted the help of a neighbouring factory which agreed to help fund the project.   

The two woodlands will provide valuable habitats for birds and other creatures as they mature over the coming years.  They will also provide a unique, on-site resource for teaching children about living things and the need for conservation.  

We are continuing to develop these areas by making them more accessible to children and by managing the sites to ensure that the trees grow well.

The woodland shortly after planting in Spring 2004.            The woodland after three seasons’ growth in 

                                                                                                            Autumn 2006.

Outdoor Reception Area

In 2004 we improved the front entrance to the school to incorporate an outdoor reception area for parents and children.  This is a huge improvement on its previous use as a bin area and coal chute!  We are continuing to improve this area by adding more planters and benches.  The area is well used by children before they come into school on a morning and by parents at the end of the day when they are waiting for their children.

Lane Improvements  

In 2005 we cleared the old lane outside school of rubbish and made it accessible to children and adults.  The lane had been cut off by the creation of a dual-carriageway bypass many years ago and has not been used until recently.  The mature hedgerow provides a good habitat for wildlife and children are now able to observe birds and other creatures in this area. 

We linked the end of this short lane to our largest woodland area to create an interesting walk for children.  The local Neighbourhood Action Team helped us with this work by building steps which lead down to the woodland.

The Neighbourhood Action Team constructing           The completed steps viewed from the wood. 

the steps.

Seated Area  

In 2005, we converted an area of rough ground adjacent to a classroom into a seated area with

raised beds.  This is a much improved area which children use at playtimes to sit and play

board games or to read.  It is also used by Class 4 as additional work space when

weather conditions permit.  

Nestbox Scheme   

During the winter of 2006/07, children made a number of nestboxes to increase the number of suitable nesting sites for birds within the school grounds.  The scheme will also provide opportunities for study within the science curriculum over time.

Most of the boxes were for hole-nesting birds such as blue tits and great tits.  However, some were open fronted to attract robins, and others were of a terraced type to appeal to house sparrows.  

During the first season, five boxes were occupied, and children were able to observe birds carrying food items in to their young.    

This is the start of a long term project which, over time, will build up an interesting record of breeding successes of different species. 

  A titbox fixed to a tree within the school                                 A house sparrow terrace fixed to the school

  grounds.                                                                                           wall.

Wildlife Pond 

In autumn 2005 we began a major project creating a large pond in an underused area of

the school field.  The project involved much planning to ensure that health and safety

issues were addressed as well as making the site suitable for wildlife.    

The whole area was fenced to ensure that children could not access the pond without

adult supervision. A parent helped us to excavate the hole and supplied us with a liner

through his business, Koi Kabin.  Children finished the work by removing small stones

before sand and old carpets were laid to protect the liner from damage.

Funding for the pond-dipping platform was obtained through an ‘Awards for All’ grant. 

 The footpath leading down to the pond was created by Deakins Paving & Groundwork

at no cost to the school.

The photograph shows the area of ground                     The pond and pond-dipping platform shortly after 

chosen for the site before work began.                             completion.

Children laying pipe work connected to the                The pond already looking established at the end

fall-pipe from the school’s roof.                                      of the first summer in 2007.

A woodmouse caught overnight  in a live trap         Children being taught about the life cycle of  the 

within the school grounds.                                            mouse before its release back into the wild.