YOUNGSTERS in Cricklade are getting their hands and boots dirty in a scheme that builds their practical skills outdoors.

Over recent weeks pupils of Thames Pre-School have participated in lessons designed to develop inquisitive and positive relationships with the natural world.

Paula Maxted, Thames Pre-school leader, said: “We’ve got really good feedback from the parents so far. We do a lot of activities outdoors already but the Forest School sessions help the children to build self-esteem and confidence.”

Activities supervised in the classes include digging, flower-planting, marshmallow-toasting and creature-spotting in different areas of the school grounds, such as the sensory garden which draws students’ attention to touch and sound information. Kids are kitted out in waterproofs and wellies for the sessions, allowing them to learn in all manner of weather conditions.

“Forest School sessions are just a bit different – they’re about managing risks,” the pre-school leader added. “The reason is to push the students and enhance their listening and communication skills. They’re getting vocal about the sessions and seem to be really enjoying them. One of them even said, ‘are we doing forest school again tomorrow?’”

Six children have benefitted from the sessions so far but many more are expected to join them as new activities are added to the curriculum. Launched in March, the initiative aims to accommodate all students of Thames Pre-school by the end of the academic year.

Put together by Katie Meynell, leader of the Forest Scool, each activities programme lasts for a period of six weeks. Soon she will have students setting nature trails and building dens using saws and other gardening tools. Such tasks emphasise risk-taking, problem-solving and independent decision making.

The Thames Pre-school hopes these small sessions will foster a more focused learning experience in the natural environment in the coming years.