Pupils at Roundhill Primary School are embracing the great outdoors thanks to an exciting new Forest School partnership that is already transforming learning beyond the classroom.
From den building and team challenges to nature exploration and learning practical tool skills, children across the Bath school are discovering new ways to grow in confidence, resilience and independence.
The school has partnered with Ninja Squirrels, a highly skilled forest school provider, alongside Sporting Sensations, which manages the school’s extracurricular clubs.
Together, they have enriched Roundhill’s outdoor learning offer, creating meaningful opportunities for pupils both in one-to-one sessions and whole-class activities.
More than 60 children have already benefitted from the programme, either with their class groups or through personalised intervention. By the end of the summer term, all 217 pupils at the school will have taken part.
Emma Cooper, headteacher at Roundhill, said, “At Roundhill, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Our Forest School sessions give children the chance to explore, collaborate and problem-solve, building confidence, resilience and independence.
“The natural environment also supports wellbeing and self-regulation, helping pupils stay calm, manage risk and work together. Most importantly, they love the freedom, adventure and hands-on learning it brings.”
Forest School sessions typically see children working together to build shelters, safely use tools, explore woodland habitats and take on creative challenges that encourage teamwork and problem solving.
For some pupils, the sessions provide targeted support, helping them to develop social skills, emotional regulation and a stronger sense of self-belief in a calm, outdoor setting.
Chris Pile, Owner and Managing Director of Sporting Sensations, said, “It’s been incredibly exciting to introduce Forest School at Roundhill, as this represents a new and inspiring direction for Sporting Sensations.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Ninja Squirrels and it’s been fantastic to see both the programme and the space develop through the early stages. One of the real highlights has been watching the children take a hands-on role in shaping the forest school area themselves, and then bringing their imagination to life through how they use the space.”
The impact is already clear among pupils.
Marley, a Year 3 pupil, said, “I love forest school because we helped build a tree house. I was the first one to try it. It really helps me to be in a good mood”.
As more schools look to balance academic achievement with wellbeing and character development, Roundhill’s approach shows how outdoor learning can play a powerful role in supporting the whole child.
For Bath families, it is another example of how local schools are thinking creatively to help children thrive, not just in lessons, but in life beyond the classroom.
