A SCHOOL in Tilehurst has unveiled a new outdoor learning space aimed at supporting student wellbeing and environmental education.
Little Heath School has announced that its new space, Little Heath Haven, is now open and set to bring nature to education at the school.
The initiative came as part of a Year 13 student’s Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and funded through Mend The Gap, a Network Rail programme aimed at enhancing and enriching natural spaces.
Work was completed on the project over Christmas last year, with the finished space featuring an outdoor shelter and accessible pathing–all designed by now-former student Bethany King.
Ms King was invited to attend the unveiling, where she was joined by headteacher David Ramsden; the school’s Sustainability Lead Emma Saunders; and Ruth Larkin, Communications Officer for the North Wessex Downs National Landscape; as well as children from Fledgling Nursery.
After an initial proposal by the school’s Eco-Committee, Ms King took on development of the project, and submitted plans to the Mend The Gap team.
A successful bid saw the project awarded £15,000 to go ahead.
Now the space will work to provide outdoor lessons, a place for reflection, and a home for environmental projects at the school.
Year 10 students have already begun using the space’s vegetable plots alongside the school’s catering provider, Culinera.
Ruth Staples-Rolfe, Mend the Gap Programme Manager, said: “This garden is a stepping stone and will see hundreds of children able to use the outdoors to self-regulate and develop from preschoolers to post 16.”
More information about Little Heath School is available via: littleheath.org.uk
More information about the Mend The Gap programme is available via: mendthegap.uk
