We are incredibly proud to share that our very own Mrs. Donaldson has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to outdoor education, sustainability, and the wellbeing of local children. At the Charnwood Community Heroes event, she received not just one, but two prestigious awards from Charnwood Borough Council: the Green Hero Award and the Harry Cook Award.

As a school, we’ve always known how exceptional Mrs. Donaldson is, but seeing her dedication acknowledged by the wider community is truly heartwarming. The passion and care that she and her EYFS team pour into Forest School are clearly evident—making a lasting difference not only in the lives of our pupils but also in helping to shape a more sustainable future for our planet.

“Let nature be your teacher,” William Wordsworth

The start of the year saw some exciting additions to Early Years, with the introduction of the Forest School as a formal part of educational learning. Early Years are leading the rest of the school in the advantages of outdoor learning and how this positively impacts things such as our wellbeing, problem solving, team work and creativity. Already Y1, Y4 and Y6 have already enjoyed benefitting from this provision.

We were successful in the bid for support from Leicester City Football Club with their community support outreach programme. Vicky Brown from LCFC in Community, has been working with Mrs Donaldson, guiding the development of this. Upper KS2 children also benefitted from a bespoke tree planting experience in Measham National Forest – most enjoyable.

2025 is a year when Early Years will be fund raising with the PTFA to continue to purchase items needed for the construction of natural resources (tools) and eventually fire lighting equipment. The PTFA have already given generously, providing the covered learning barn, gardening equipment and enthusiasm, which is very much appreciated.

As the scheme is rolled out and integrated into our ever evolving whole school curriculum, more children will be able to access the learning and benefit from the provision. The aim for this is by the end of the year.

We are always in need of wood (planks or end cuts of timber), compost, planting equipment (planters, seeds etc), bamboo, sticks, small logs, cut tree stumps etc.

Thank you for all of the extended school community who have already generously given time or items with a special shout out to Mrs Patman for her support and Mrs Britchford and Mrs Burton who tirelessly help Mrs Donaldson dig, cut, pull and plant in the Forest School area with the children….in all weather.

Watch this space for more news . . .