Windmill pupils are fortunate to have extensive grounds, with a wildlife pond and woodland area, overlooked by an outdoor classroom with integrated bird hide. There is also a market garden, with community allotments, and our own school orchard with apple, pear and plum trees.
We were thrilled to be included in 'Nature Friendly Schools' between 2019 and 2021, which was a ground-breaking, £6.4million project funded by the Department for Education with support from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Natural England.
The project gave children the opportunity to get closer to nature which benefits their learning, health and wellbeing. We continue following the principles and practices of the way of working, fuelling creativity and a sense of adventure, allowing pupils to experience the joy that nature can bring, and helping to develop teachers’ confidence to embrace and drive forward outdoor learning.
Pupils have the opportunity to experience wildlife in our school grounds and in local areas, spending a significant amount of time learning outdoors.