We loved running smaller sessions of our In the Wild Programme for 20 for Year 9 and 10 and then year 7 & 8 over five weeks, for Alderbrook Secondary school.
The sessions were aimed at supporting leaners with SEN or other needs which meant being in can often been more challenging. It was amazing to hold a safe space in nature with these learners and see the positive changes with them over the five weeks.
This feedback from Mary the school Inclusion and Support Lead, has given us all the feels…
“The pupils of Alderbrook that joined the sessions in the Summer thrived given the opportunity to be outdoors away from the busy environment of school. Over the sessions, staff observed pupils building confidence connecting with peers; they particularly enjoyed the space to be creative as the sessions offered flexibility for our young people to take ownership of their wellbeing and what worked for them.
The outdoor sessions provided tools on how to build mindfulness moments into the school day but also moments of play; something that can be overlooked during a school day but is powerful in building friendships – helping to create conversations, releasing happy hormones and freedom to release stress.
Our young people left the sessions feeling calmer, happier, and looking forward to spending more time outside as well as understanding the science behind what they had been shown. The leaders created a non-judgemental space and helped the pupils to feel empowered; the guided meditations were magical to watch, and our pupils have asked weeks later if they will have more sessions out in the woods again which is true testament to how useful the workshops were. Mary – Inclusion and Support Lead
This is why we do what we do, nature and well-being tools combined is so healing for kids.