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A once-overgrown space at Osbaldwick Primary School has been transformed into a thriving Forest School, thanks to a £3,693 grant from the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) through the Derwenthorpe Community Fund.
This exciting project has turned a large, unused area at the side of the school into an inspiring outdoor learning environment. Pupils now have the opportunity to enjoy hands-on, nature-based learning that nurtures their emotional, social and physical development.
Forest Schools offer a child-centred and inspirational approach to learning, designed to build confidence and self-esteem through regular sessions in a natural setting. The transformation was a real community effort with pupils and staff from Osbaldwick Primary School with help from the Brunswick Academy volunteered their time to help with landscaping and preparing the space.
The Forest School officially opened on Wednesday 02 April, with Fran Eggington from JRHT attending alongside pupils, staff, resident and donor Julian Pattison and staff from the Brunswick Academy to celebrate the launch and see the space in action.
Matt Brown, Headteacher said: "Forest School is essential to primary education because it gives children an opportunity to learn and interact in an outdoor area, developing a connection with nature and the seasons. We find that it really helps children to grow socially, emotionally, and physically – helping with self-esteem and allowing them to express curiosity about the world around them.”
Fran Eggington, Administrator for the Derwenthorpe Community Fund said: “It’s been fantastic to see the transformation of this space and to hear how much it means to the children and school community. We are committed to supporting projects that are shaped by local people and help young people to flourish – and this Forest School is a brilliant example of that.”
The Derwenthorpe Community Fund was created to support initiatives that benefit the people and communities who live in and around the Derwenthorpe. It has a particular focus on supporting activities identified by local people.
The next opportunity for funding is coming up and the deadline for applications is 22 October 2025.
Find out more about the Derwenthorpe Community Fund.