Whitehall Primary

The funding from John James Foundation went towards costs to develop a space of waste land to the back of Whitehall Primary School. The children called this space ‘The wilderness’.
The funding meant they were able to develop the site, installing a shelter so the children could access the site in all weathers, a log circle where the children regularly gather for fire making and cooking skills, and a shed and all the resources and tools needed to maintain the site. The funding has also enabled staff to be trained to use the site and continue developing it for the future.
An experienced forest school leader works with each class. The children learned to build their own raised beds and cook a range of foraged foods on the fire including dandelion jam and wild garlic bread. They have made their own pond and sensory area with herbs and a range of textures. The whole school has been involved including parent helpers to maintain and further develop the children’s ideas. This has given the children a real ownership of the site, pride in all their hard work and new skills.