Chichester trainee teachers transform school’s early years outdoor space

Charlotte Colley, Emma Carver, Isobel Roberts and Natasha Collier were tasked with creating an area in which pupils could freely engage with the natural world at Eastergate CE Primary School.

Without any funding, the team set to work identifying what the children and teacher wanted in their outdoor space and, in the space of a few months, the early years outdoor space was completely transformed into a rich and natural learning environment.

The student teachers said: “We have found this project to be so rewarding, a true passion project.

“We loved working with the children of Eastergate CE to create a truly unique space that will be loved by the children for many years to come.

“We have been blown away by the support given and would like to give special thanks to: Riverside Woodcraft; Hope Education; Culberry Nursery; Tawny Nurseries; Barleys, Middleton-on-sea; Yellow Door Education; TickiT Education; Chilworth Printing; Stuart Hibburd; and Neil Collier.”

Charlotte, Emma, Isobel and Natasha learned many new skills as they handmade all the bespoke outdoor equipment from recycled and natural materials, including: a large bug hotel, large planters, a storage unit with a flower top roof, a one-of-a-kind table, fairy garden, and a class chalkboard.

To enhance the learning opportunities, the team also created hand-painted toys and games, made crayons, provided activity packs, and designed their own identification cards.

Early years class teacher Samantha McClure said: “The team and I are extremely grateful for the learning environment created by Charlotte, Isobel, Emma and Natasha.

“They have taken the children’s vision and developed a space in which the children can continue to thrive and grow.

“We can’t wait to see what the children will produce when exploring outside, they have already been busy hunting for mini-beasts and building their own habitats.”

James Martin, head of school partnership at the University of Chichester, said: “I have had the pleasure of supporting this hard-working and dedicated student-teacher trainee team.

“Emma, Isobel, Natasha and Charlotte have produced outstanding resources.

“The head teacher and staff were delighted with the outcome, and the children could not wait to start exploring and using their new equipment.

“This is truly a legacy project with the children able to benefit long after the students have gone.”

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