Welly Wednesday is about exploring and experiencing the natural world through practical activities. This will involve children spending quality time outside in all weathers, so that they can learn and appreciate all the different elements that the varying seasons and the changes in the natural environment have to offer. These will provide opportunities to stimulate creative thinking, problem-solving and skill development through the use of the natural resources on offer, along with teaching children how to respect and care for the surrounding environment. 

Welly Wednesday offers a unique educational experience using the outdoor environment to help improve communication, confidence, problem-solving skills and knowledge and understanding of the world. These are all important skills that are transferable to the classroom. Forest schools also provide children with opportunities to experience awe and wonder, which lead to inspiration and creative thinking.

At H.C.A., we have extensive school grounds, where groups of children experience sessions with Mrs Grierson, who has completed her Level 1 forest school training.

We feel that outdoor education offers an invaluable experience that enhances children’s education: it offers a safe place to learn how to take risks, explore and experiment. It gives children confidence that they can take with them into the classroom. 

The experiences children will engage with include:

• Den building,
• Setting up shelters,
• Fire lighting,
• Cooking,
• Using tools,
• Investigating natural woodland,
• Arts and crafts using natural resources and many more

At H.C.A., we believe in the value of spending time outside in the environment, for children's mental health and wellbeing.

For many children, the outdoors provides a relaxed environment. Many reports on wellbeing and the health of young children cite the disconnect they have these days from the natural world and the benefits they gain from being immersed in it.