In 2014, the Trust funded gardening tools and outdoor clothing for the pupils at this school. A subsequent visit by Trustees, at which we saw the children’s obvious enjoyment in planting and preparing their raised beds, showed that the funding had been well invested. Even in the rain they were happy to carry on with their outdoor work. Additional funding was granted early in 2017 for a ‘mud-exploration/kitchen area’ which will enhance cross-curricular learning for the four to seven year old children. The ‘kitchen’ comes equipped with containers, scales, large spoons and lots of other outdoor equipment. It will afford opportunities for the children to weigh and measure; stir and whisk; improve their motor skills; and work in pairs or small groups, using their skills and imagination in challenging and exciting ways. A further bid for new outdoor clothing is under consideration.
The Trustees will visit Thorpe Acre Infant School during the Spring Term 2018 to assess progress.