Where outdoor learning is a class act

Doh

Henry lived life to the full and was well known for his droll humour and sharp wit Until recently he was a member of Breedon Priory, where he swam six days a week, and a stalwart of Kings Newton Bowls Club He also enjoyed a visit to the races and a pint

Although physically frail, Henry enjoyed the last year of his life when he moved from Chellaston back to his beloved Melbourne where he could be seen regularly on his mobility scooter with his little rescue dog, Ella

He will be sorely missed by his loving family and many friends

A GOVERNMENT education inspector conducted one of her more unusual visits when she came calling on a Melbourne pre-school where children take their learning outside – come rain or shine

Roz Phillips, who runs Derby Forest School based at Whistlewood Common, says children who come to her outdoors school very rarely head inside because they love learning in the fresh air too much

And when an inspector from Government watchdog Ofsted came on an official visit, she gave Roz’s pre-school the official thumbs up with a ‘Good’ rating and a glowing report

Inspector Rachel BarsbyRobinson said: “Children show excitement when they arrive at the outdoor setting and greet their friends The learning environment inspires children's curiosity Children are keen to lead their own play They explore the forest area and investigate the activities staff provide Children use critical-thinking skills to build a waterslide with pieces of a drainpipe They discuss with their friends how to use rocks to angle the pipes and change the direction of the water flow ”

Derby Forest School has around 24 pre-school aged children on its books, who come to Whistlewood for their learning over the two weekly sessions it operates

Coming from a background with an early years’ university qualification, registered childminder Roz set up the educational setting armed with Forest School training, having enjoyed a carefree outdoors childhood herself

She said: “I grew up in rural Lincolnshire and we had a very outdoors upbringing, so life has come full circle for me really I know the benefits that had on me and my family and I hope to pass that on to the next generation ”

As well as young children, Derby Forest School also caters for youngsters up to the age of 11 who are being homeschooled, and it runs sessions in the school holidays too

The school day up at Whistlewood is seven and a half hours long and lessons revolve around nature and the outdoors

There is a campfire every day around which children enjoy snacks Activities include pond dipping, gardening and fruit picking, and Roz says youngsters become physically strong as they carry around heavy logs as part of their normal school day

“I’ve got three year olds who can lift a huge amount of stuff, because they are dragging logs around all day and picking up rocks!” she said “What I love about it is seeing how they see nature for the very first time You get a real sense of awe and wonder, they will lift a log and they’re just fascinated by the worms underneath ”

Roz said she and her team of four staff were “over the moon” with their inspection report

She said: “Especially with having had lockdown, it felt like such an achievement to have someone else say ‘Yes, this is a good setting’ That felt amazing ”

Meanwhile, Roz, from Derby, said she loves coming to Whistlewood and teaching children in the great outdoors

“The fact that Melbourne came together and bought the piece of land at Whistlewood is fantastic,” she said “Everybody up there works so hard – the volunteering is remarkable

“It’s 10 years old in October and it feels like a proper woodland Considering there was nothing there 10 years ago, it’s incredible It has got a very special feel to it I think the people of Melbourne are very lucky to have it on their doorstep ”