Outdoor Curriculum

Intent

We feel that, many of our pupils have not had the opportunity to socialise outside of their comfort zone; close family, friends and class, and that we needed to support our pupils to be able to be take part in activities with others.  The majority of our pupils have always been isolated by their SEND needs and struggle to integrate into school and community life fully, particularly when they first come to Gilbrook.  As a result, the staff felt that access to the outdoor curriculum each day, would allow the pupils to have an opportunity to interact with all members of the school community. This brilliant opportunity offers the chance for staff to support pupils, whilst developing their social skills and meeting pupils and staff they might struggle to develop relationships with in a structured environment. 

Implementation

Breaks and relax time

The outdoor time for pupils is designed to offer pupils the chance to take part in a variety of activities to enhance the school curriculum.  This part of the curriculum is informal and focusses on social skills and in particular, breaks and relax time.  Staff are able to focus on these skills with pupils during a session - Monday to Thursday.   This allows us to promote socially appropriate values and behaviours, including sharing, fairness, and respect. Staff monitor skills such as problem solving, taking turns, and politely disagreeing.

Social skills we are aiming to develop for the children include:

• play skills – for example, taking turns in games, helping others or sharing toys
• conversation skills – for example, choosing what to talk about, choosing a variety of topics or what body language to use
• emotional skills – for example, managing their own emotions and understanding how others feel in different situations
• problem-solving skills – for example, dealing with conflict or making decisions in social situations.

They range of activities on offer will change periodically; below are sample of those on offer:

• Sports skills
• Games of various types
• Bike skills
• Farm
• Quiet indoor games
• Music
• Gardening
• ICT including X Box

Giltech

The farm is a valuable part of our school offer.  Since it started over 7 years ago it has been a valuable part of our offer to pupils.  It is so important in helping us support pupils’ emotional well-being. There has been a lot of research regarding the outdoors and its positive effect on mental health.  Our staff are committed to supporting this area of the school offer, including in their own time, as they can see the benefits of this programme.

It all started with one guinea pig Shadow who came to school as he was lonely.  It has grown over the years to include sheep, pigs, goats, ducks, hens and rabbits as well.   We have also acquired budgies, thanks to the generous donation from a someone who was working on the school site.  In addition, you will always see a few dogs who come in to offer their own unique support to pupils and staff.

Pupils have been involved in all stages of the farm development, including building work and maintenance.

Research has shown that simply being in nature and sunlight can help to reduce cortisol levels – the hormone which is released when we experience stress. Natural settings create a sense of calm, but also encourage physical activity, which further promotes wellbeing by releasing endorphins that help regulate mood and energy levels.  Nature gives us a sense that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Being outside promotes a sense of calmness and mindfulness. Because time in the outdoors offers the benefit of mental rest and rejuvenation, it has been shown to improve memory, attention, impulse control and creativity.

Each class has a timetabled slot weekly where they can work outdoors’ with the animals and on other activities.   They can earn a Giltech Level 1, 2 or 3 for this, our inhouse qualification to show their progression in working with animals.  This gives a clear focus and progression for them. 

Assessment Criteria for Level 1:

Change into appropriate clothing and footwear on the farm without prompting and understand why you need to wear this type of clothing.

Recognise all the different types of animals and be able to name them.

Know which food each animal can eat.

Under the supervision of staff feed and water animals in the correct containers.

Know where each animal food is stored.

Change back into appropriate clothing and footwear when finished on the farm.

Clean hands properly and understand why this needs to happen

Assessment criteria for Level 2:

Restock food into appropriate containers when feed stations are low.

Clean and tidy animal pens under the supervision of staff; knowing which is the correct equipment and ensure is put away after

Feed and water animals without staff supervision when appropriate; ensuring that the food store is secure after the task is completed

Collect eggs from chicken house, duck house and quail enclosure when instructed (taking appropriate hygiene measures)

Update farm notice board with relevant information.

Assessment Criteria Level 3:

Audit farm food and stock using proper paperwork

Assist staff with animal food order from Meadow Farm and Larton’s.

Lead a group of younger children on the farm (demonstrate how to clean, feed and water the animals).

Feed and water the animals unsupervised.

Accompany staff to other farms to buy food and collect materials (hay and straw from Allan’s Farm)

Assist staff in organising trip to the Cheshire Show.

Impact

Social skills help all children know how to act in different situations and environments – from talking to wider family members to playing with friends at school.

Social skills can help your child make and maintain friendships, learn from others and develop hobbies and interests. These skills can also help with family relationships, out of school friendships and help to give your child a sense of belonging.

Most importantly good social skills are important for your child’s mental health and overall quality of life, as is the outdoor curriculum.  It helps pupils learn to care for others and take responsibility.  In addition, they learn empathy and organisational skills.  Many of our pupils will be better suited to a practical career and this gives them a basis to build on in preparing for adulthood. Being outdoors on the farm and on our many trips gives them the opportunity to explore different aspects of life and allows them have wider choice in their futures, whilst learning valuable life skills