Many children at Eastwood Nursery School have grown up in one of the most overcrowded communities in Britain. They live in high-rise flats, with no access to a garden. They never notice the birds, and only hear traffic and aeroplanes. While research shows that children prefer the natural environment, most school playgrounds are asphalt and concrete, where nature seems very distant.
The Urban Forest School operates in a natural environment, where children have uninterrupted play during every season and all weathers. Here they explore their own curiosities and do things never seen in a school playground. There's plenty of fun but teachers always watch over them to extend their learning experience.
Since 2006 Eastwood have run their Forest School for children at every stage of development, including those with special needs. They tell their story in this video.
More info at www.urbanforestschool.co.uk