Important Information about Outdoor Learning Sessions

Thursday 27th October 2022

Dear Parents/Carers

After the October half term we will be trialling weekly Outdoor Learning sessions in our very own ‘March Wood’ which is situated on the school field. These sessions will be for all children in Reception, Years 1, 2, 3, & 4 (please read on for information about Year 5 & Year 6). Over the first few week’s the children will be introduced to Outdoor Learning in small groups. Eventually the whole class will go outside to learn together. This transition will vary for each class as the children adjust to March Wood as an Outdoor Classroom. 

Many of you will have children who have been attending Forest School sessions in March Wood, which has allowed children to learn, explore and lead their independent learning outside of the classroom. Our Outdoor Learning programme will allow many more children the opportunity to apply their learning outdoors. 

What wear for Outdoor Learning:
We ask that, on your child’s Outdoor Learning day, you send your child(ren) to school in non school uniform. This should be warm, comfortable clothing and footwear as they will build up to being outdoors for up to two and half hours each week. We ask that you provide the following:

✅ wellington boots (in addition to comfortable footwear worn)       ✅waterproof over trousers
✅waterproof jacket with a hood            ✅spare clothing kit including socks 

Your child should have received their free donated ‘Keep Warm Kit’ from the Reiss Foundation, with warm socks, thermal vest, snood, gloves and a hat and we ask that you make sure that they have all the items with them ready to wear. The school is very aware that the cost of living crisis is a serious challenge for some of our families and as such the school can support with items to loan for outdoor learning. Please let the school know if you need to access this service. Your child should also have spare clothes including socks and footwear to change into in case they get wet, these can be kept in school in a labelled bag and will be stored on your child’s coat peg in their classroom. 

When is your child’s session?
Please ensure that your child comes to school dressed for their Outdoor Learning session on their timetabled day as shown below. 

An invitation to our Parents/Carers:
The Forest School Team will offer information sessions and tours of March Wood for our parents/carers to attend. These sessions will be available to book using this online form. We highly recommend that you attend one of the available sessions at our school on:

Information for Year 5 & Year 6 Families:
Children in Year 5 will be taking part in the Disney Production – Aladdin, Ms Darby is your point of contact for information about the Disney Project. Year 5 will be timetabled to access outdoor learning after the Disney production.

Children in Year 6 will be prioritising preparation for their SATs exams, Mr Ellis & Ms Alexis are your point of contact for any advice to support your child. Year 6 are timetabled to access outdoor learning after the SATs.

We are delighted to be able to offer Outdoor Learning to our pupils on our very own on site March Wood and adjacent field all within our secure school grounds.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school with any queries you may have. 

Yours Sincerely,
Julie D’Abreu | Headteacher