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Forest Schools and Outdoor Learning

Forest School

At Lime Tree our forest school uses the woods and forest as a means to build independence and self-esteem in children. Topics include the natural environment, for example the role of trees in society, the complex ecosystem, recognition of specific plants and animals.

Personal skills such as teamwork and problem solving are also learnt. The woodland environment can also be used to learn about mathematics and communication.The child-led aspect of forest schools is perhaps the most crucial element with the outdoor environment facilitating the vast number of learning styles that children benefit from.

In 2019 we became the first school in the Greater Manchester area to be awarded FSA (Forest School Association) Forest School Provider status.

Outdoor Learning

At Lime Tree is not simply about delivering a literacy lesson whilst sat outside, or learning multiplication in the rain, it is about giving our children the experiences and skills needed to help them develop into happy and healthy individuals, who are able to have a positive impact on the world around them.

Wherever possible, we aim to take every area of the curriculum outside of the classroom by providing the most engaging, hands-on, learning experiences possible. Our outdoor team are passionate and enthusiastic about an outdoors approach, and they work with teachers and pupils on a daily basis to constantly develop and improve our use of the fantastic setting we boast as our school grounds.

We do not want to give our pupils just a taste of something which they may find exciting and inspiring, only to limit this experience to an end of year reward or a field trip, we want to provide an environment where our pupils can find their passions, explore them and ultimately share them with their friends, their families, and the wider community. Whether it be through vegetables growing on an allotment, or livestock keeping on a smallholding, our pupils will have the opportunity to learn where their food comes from, how to grow it and even how to cook it, strengthening their chances of leading healthy and sustainable lives.

Therapeutic Forest and Nature Boost

At Lime Tree, we are passionate about using the Forest School approach to support young people who need some additional support to connect with nature, socialise, support self-confidence and regulation, improve communication or resilience and develop skills. Therapeutic Forest and Nature Boost sessions vary in length depending on the needs of the child.  

Policies

Proud to part of the Bright Futures Education Trust
Lime Tree Primary Academy
Budworth Road,
Sale M33 2RP
Bright Futures SCITT CEOP