West Hill Park School, Titchfield, will soon open Wild Griffins, a completely outdoors Forest School for children ages 3 - 5. Wild Griffins will launch 5 days per week in September 2024, with taster sessions running on Fridays throughout the summer term.
Mr Ward, Headmaster at West Hill Park commented: “Outdoor Education has long been central to the ethos of West Hill Park, and Wild Griffins will bring this to our youngest children and set excellent foundations for their personal growth and learning.
We are so lucky to have an exceptional team working to make Wild Griffins a reality.”
Miss Allen, Forest School Leader commented: “Research has shown that humans need a connection to nature in order to stay mentally balanced, and we know that nature creates an opportunity to escape the stresses of our daily lives and relax in peace and quiet.
Children in a forest school environment experience nature first-hand, they witness the changing of the seasons and get caught up in the wonder those changes bring about. Nature provides every learning opportunity our curriculum requires.
Our Wild Griffins will be able to harness the power of the outdoors and use it to help them understand science, numeracy, literacy, working as part of a team, problem-solving, risk-taking and so much more.”
Set within 25 acres of grounds, Wild Griffins will have its own designated area, with a Yurt being put in place for the most extreme weather conditions. Wild Griffins will initially have space for 12 children and will host an Open Day on the 26th April. From September 2024 Wild Griffins will also welcome 2.5 year olds one morning per week.
Mrs Casson, Head of Nursery at West Hill Park added: “Wild Griffins will work hand in hand with the Curiosity Approach of Little Griffins, which has child-led learning at its heart.
Our early learners will develop a bond and deeper connection with nature. They will have the freedom to become masters of their own discovery, learn to assess risk, problem solve and be allowed to immerse themselves in the awe and wonder that childhood and nature hold.
This exciting opportunity will enable the children at West Hill Park to get the best of both worlds, within one early years family!”