PUPILS at a Whitefield primary school are being encouraged to get out of the classroom and into the wild to support their learning.

Reception children from Whitefield Community Primary School have been taking part in weekly forest school sessions in their onsite wooded outdoor space, participating in exciting educational activities and facing new challenges.

The sessions have been designed to add a new interactive dimension to the pupil's learning and teaching, and boost the early years curriculum.

Reception teacher and forest school leader, Carys Edge, said: "The Forest School ethos compliments the early years curriculum perfectly.

"It values the development of social, communication and physical skills which are vital aspects within our framework.

"Outdoor learning is integral to the teaching in our Early Years Foundation Stage as it promotes all aspects of children's development and gives them the freedom to explore, investigate and learn at their own pace. The children observe their local environment in all seasons and ask questions to build their knowledge and understanding of the world around them."

Since the start of the lessons the children have been out in all weathers and engaged in building habitats, dens and shelters; planting seeds and saplings; making bird feeders, fires and tools; played team games, including hide and seek; and created lots of art works.

It is hoped that the lessons will encourage the children to take more risks, building confidence and self esteem, as wells as help with subjects from maths and science to English and art.

Teachers at the school have already noted improvements in pupils problem solving, team work and reflective thinking skills, thanks to the sessions.

Whitefield Community Primary School Headteacher, Martin Van Hecke, said: "We are very fortunate as a school to have such an incredible outdoor space that our children can utilise.

"The Reception children and staff look forward to visiting the Forest area each week.

" Our dedicated and highly trained staff use the Forest Area to facilitate learning that supports a range of life skills.

"The skills our children develop in the forest area are then transferable to the classroom where they support their ability to problem solve and hypothesize.

"We are thrilled the children enjoy using the forest area and look forward to developing it further in order to involve the local community."

The forest school scheme has also received a seal of approval from the schools regulator Ofsted.

An Ofsted spokesperson said: "As part of the curriculum, children now experience focused outdoor learning, which they greatly enjoy, their parents praise and older pupils wish to experience.

"In this, children learn how to take risks, keep themselves safe in different situations and cooperate and help each other as they learn about nature and extend their reading, writing and number skills."