CHILDREN of Bright Sparks Pre-school and Summerfields Primary School have celebrated the launch of a new on-site forest school.

Kelly Goring, Bright Sparks manager, led the project following the success of running forest school sessions for three years at the pre-school site.

Kelly said: "Our forest school sessions provide hands-on learning opportunities, encouraging independence and self-esteem.

"We hope to make a positive impact on children's attitudes to physical exercise by getting them involved and having fun outdoors, and getting away from TV and computer screens."

Kelly, with Naomi Lordan and Helen Glasbey of Bright Sparks, sourced support from the community and local organisations, to reach their long-term goal of building a larger forest school.

The aim was to develop a larger site at the primary school, to enable forest school sessions to be extended to children aged four to 11 — including during school holidays.

The extension included building a fire pit area with a 12ft forest-themed screen, a den-building area, mini beasts area, as well as areas to use tools or for additional activities.

Due to the project being completed by its deadline, Bright Sparks has been able to run its summer school sessions, which were fully booked before the end of term.

Kelly said: "Thank you to everyone who supported us to make this area possible."

An opening ceremony was enjoyed by pupils, staff, families and volunteers.

Special mentions included Newt's Pond and Gardening Services, who replaced and extended the pond area, and put in a new path, and Sue and Roy of Brading, for their donation of sycamore.

Topps Tiles, Alex McMahon, and Mr and Mrs Pateman were all thanked for their donations towards the bug hotel — including bricks, palettes and tubes.

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