A HEADTEACHER is considering converting her new primary into a ‘forest school’.

Karen Hawkins, who took over at Trawden Forest Primary School at the start of the term, said there were “all sorts of advantages” in encouraging youngsters to be more active outdoors.

The philosophy of forest schools is to inspire children through outdoor play and learning in a woodland environment.

Mrs Hawkins said: “Becoming a forest school is something we are looking towards. If the children are outside, they learn to manage their own risk assessment and they learn to take risks safely.

“It also gives them an awareness of their environment and shows them what they have got to look after and care for.

“Often when they are outside, they are playing with others in the fresh air. It provides exercise in a fun way that is not necessarily as structured.”

At forest schools children spend time in woodland and learn a more “pupil-led outdoor curriculum”.

Sessions are designed around a theme and many areas of the national curriculum are covered.

The idea is supported by Simon Jones, Lancashire’s National Union of Teachers’ national executive member.

Mr Jones said: “Providing it is all done within the framework of a normal state school, I think this sounds like a really good idea.

“I think it sounds very exciting and interesting and it encourages the sort of creative approach which we would welcome.”

Meanwhile, a Darwen company is also encouraging youngsters to spend more time outside with its Operation Playground.

Canopies UK is asking pupils to create their own safe playground scheme.

The winning design will win a canopy worth £10,000.

Elaine Morris, managing director of the Chanters Way company, said: “Schools are often looking for ways to enhance their pupils’ experiences whilst at school by improving the facilities that they offer.

“We feel that it is vital for children to spend as much time outdoors as possible and this competition combines something fun and different for children in the classroom away from the norm. Research has shown hat small amounts of physical activity can help stimulate children into paying attention more in classroom.”

For details on entering or to order a teaching pack, visit www.canopiesuk.co.uk/education/playground.