Elton Primary School create a new Forest School  

A Forest School is an approach to learning that takes children into the great outdoors to explore the natural environment. Elton Primary School were looking to transform an existing overgrown wooded area into their very own Forest School where the children could get hands on with nature and learn new skills but needed some financial support to activate their ideas. 

Following a successful application to the Protos Community Benefit Fund, the school was granted £2,000 for the project which is now enjoyed by pupils of all ages, offering a wonderfully muddy opportunity for children to learn about nature and build connections with the outdoors.     

Youngsters can now participate in a weekly Nature Explorers Group where classmates can plant seeds, grow vegetables, construct dens, climb trees and observe insects up close.   

The Forest School will also provide opportunities for the wider community, such as the local Scout Group who have already enjoyed setting up a series of bivvies, tarps and ropes for an overnight excursion.     

Sarah Price, Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Forest School Lead at Elton Primary School, said:  

“Our new Forest School offers a learning environment in which children can explore, learn and grow free and of their own accord. Whether it is through sitting still and absorbing their surroundings, by laying on the woodland floor and watching insects go about their day, or whether it is about planting seeds and learning about compost.   

“The fund has allowed us to introduce the natural world to our early years children in a safe and accepting environment. We’re excited to watch plants grow and our children flourish!”  

The Protos Community Benefit Fund is open to bids for funding from organisations and causes in the parishes of Ince, Elton, Helsby, Frodsham, Thornton le Moors and Little Stanney. Click here to find out more.