Outdoor space and learning

Our Reception classes enjoy access to outdoor play areas all year round.

We are committed to outdoor learning and have developed the Castle Mead School grounds to include areas for story telling, forest school, wildlife areas, trim (agility) trail, pond, fruit and vegetable gardens, chickens and polytunnels.

Forest School gives children the chance to learn and grow through hands-on experiences in a natural outdoor setting. Our sessions encourage curiosity, confidence, and independence as children explore, play, and take safe, supported risks. Activities include building shelters, exploring nature, learning simple tool skills, fire skills/safety and working together as a group. Time outdoors helps children develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a strong connection to the natural world. Every session is child-led, allowing learners to follow their interests while building social, emotional, and practical skills. Each year group gets the opportunity to take part in four sessions of forest school each year. 

Around our site there are designated foot and cycle paths and to support children who cycle, scoot or walk to school there are bike and scooter racks. We do require that children dismount before entering the school grounds.

We recognise that some families live a significant distance from school, or need to drop off on the way to work. We ask that you plan to ‘ride and stride’ from a distance away.

Please NEVER obstruct the school gates as it is imperative that emergency vehicles can access the site at all times.