Outdoor Classroom Project

EXCITING NEWS
The PTFA successfully raised funds for a permanent year-round outdoor classroom at St Paul's school, which will benefit all the current and future children at the school.

BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR LEARNING
Mental Health & Wellbeing:

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety
• Boosted Mood
• Creativity & Problem Solving
• Appreciation of Nature
• Vitamin D

Key findings from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs):

• Children engaged in learning in a natural environment have higher levels of achievement in reading, maths and science
• Pupils have been found to make 3 additional months of progress in terms of learning outcomes compared to their peers
• Pupils have improved attendance rates
• Greener school grounds have been linked with better motor skills and rates of physical activity

MILESTONES

Phase 1 –  COMPLETED

• Identified underused area of the school
• Permissions obtained from the school & diocese
• Insurance
• Appointed a reputable company Pentagon Play for the project build - Paul Speller
• Clearing & preparation of overgrown areas
• Meeting with local residents
• Meeting with teaching staff
• Planning permission granted by BHCC (Brighton & Hove Council)

Phase 2 – COMPLETED

• Clear the Wild Life Garden of Litter- Parent Volunteers sign up to help
• Raise Funds - Parents & Children
• Need ideas and challenges from parents and children alike
• Every penny helps - anything from £1 to £10,000
• No ideas are too small...or too big!

Phase 3 – COMPLETED

• Avid Gardeners
• Carpenters - to build bug hotel, flower planters
• Landscapers - Pathways, borders