Woodend Farm School in Witham is transforming the educational experience for young people with additional needs by taking learning outdoors. The school, which officially opens its secondary phase in Great Baddow this September, caters to children who previously lacked appropriate SEND facilities, many of whom were out of education.
Holistic Development Through Forest School
The school primarily supports children with autism, ADHD, speech and language challenges, and pathological demand avoidance (PDA) profile. Through a unique curriculum where learning is disguised as play, pupils regularly attend forest school sessions on the ten-acre site, which includes trees, woodland, fruit bushes, and fruit trees.
Activities include tool work, foraging, climbing trees, building shelters, working with ropes, tree swings, fire safety and lighting, camp cooking, and sensory exploration. These experiences help pupils develop socially, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
Child-Led Learning in a Safe Environment
Sally Carter, forest school and creative arts lead, explained: "Forest school is a safe, non-judgmental, natural environment supporting pupils to take risks and try new things in a safe way, allowing them to have hands-on, real-life experiences learning to solve problems, assess and evaluate risks."
She added: "It is a child-led, child-centred process that offers pupils holistic growth, supporting them in developing socially, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, helping children develop communication skills and life skills. Forest school sessions support pupils' developing self-belief, resilience and creative skills at a level and pace meeting each individual pupil's need, helping them to become healthy, independent learners."
Breaking Down Barriers for SEND Pupils
The school continues to lead the way in breaking down barriers for its pupils, ensuring they have access to the same exciting opportunities and life experiences as children in mainstream settings. The forest school program is a key part of this mission, helping pupils build confidence and practical skills in a supportive environment. Woodend Farm School believes every child deserves the chance to participate, thrive, and create lasting memories.
