Latest News
Posted on: 12/05/2021 Ashill forest school goes from strength to strength Ashill forest school goes from strength to strength
Ashill Primary School (which is part of The Redstart Learning Partnership), plans to develop their forest school, led by Kelly Napper and Pamela Mount. Both Kelly and Pam are training to be fully qualified forest school leaders and both are well on their way to achieve this goal.
The forest school site has been significantly improved and developed. Pam and Kelly were pleased to offer full day sessions over the Easter holidays and forest school is now offered as a regular part of the school day.
The uptake of the sessions by the Ashill children have been amazing and they were extremely pleased and excited to have SOLD OUT during each session! Both Kelly and Pam were thrilled with the success of the sessions:
Pam said:
“All the children and adults had a fabulous time learning new skills and creating items from natural resources with one child saying ‘I want to start the day again’. We have been amazed by the wonderful behaviour of all of the children and their enthusiasm and friendship. The children enjoyed getting mucky, the muddier the better for some”.
Ashill’s forest school also allows the children to cover a wide range of other activities such as using tools and hammers, building bug hotels, making weaving frames from scratch, learning how to tie knots, nail art and clay printing hedgehogs.
Kelly and Pam have recently attended their second assessment day which included setting up camp, slack line walking, tool maintenance, pewter smelting, playing games, and cooking a 3 course meal on the fire and both have passed their tool safety assessment as well! They cannot wait to share these skills with the children.
Due to the continued success Pam and Kelly will be offering sessions over the summer holidays.
A spoke person for The Redstart Learning Partnership said:
“We are absolutely delighted to see and hear all about the fantastic forest school developments at Ashill. It is such a wonderful opportunity for the children to get out doors for some inspirational learning and opportunities for holistic growth. Allowing the children to play, explore and take risks develops their confidence and self- esteem through hands-on, learner inspired experiences in a natural setting. We are also delighted that Ashill is able to continue to offer this provision over the summer holidays and we offer our deepest thanks to the staff for their time and efforts.”
Posted on: 25/03/2021 Castle Primary School and Buckland St Mary pupils return to school Thank you to the Chard and Ilminster for this great article.
Castle Primary School and Buckland St Mary pupils return to school
TWO primary schools in South Somerset welcomed back all their students last week.
Staff at Buckland St Mary C of E Primary School, and Castle Primary School in Stoke-sub-Hamdon were “energised and excited” to welcome back the students.
Gareth Nation, executive head of the schools, said: “I’d like to thank all of the staff, parents and children for their commitment to the children’s learning and wellbeing at this challenging time.
“We have all experienced personal and professional challenges throughout this turbulent period but the shared vision and culture of both schools has prevailed.”
Both schools have received support from The Redstart Learning Partnership and other agencies to ensure they keep running during the coronavirus pandemic.
The children’s social, emotional and mental health have been at the forefront of their plans.
Mrs Laura Liddell, assistant head of Castle Primary School, added: “We are so proud of the children, how they have adapted to, and in many cases, embraced remote learning.
“The same can also be said of staff.
“It’s fair to say it has been a learning curve for us all.
“But, together, we bring many new strengths with us as we return to face-to-face teaching and learning.”
Posted on: 7/06/2021
