Children at a Darlington school escaped the classroom and embarked on a woodlands adventure as part of an 
initiative to promote the importance of outdoor learning.
Independent day school Polam Hall held a special event in its beautiful and extensive grounds for young children to experience the thrill of learning about nature through a range of fun activities.
The woodlands adventure, for three to five-year-olds and their parents, enjoyed making stickmen, mud pies, planting pea seeds in compost, building dens and making bark rubbing pictures.
As well as helping children from an early age learn to appreciate the environment around them, the event also formed part of Polam Hall’s efforts to ensure its reception pupils are integrated smoothly into day-to-day school life.
Angela Foster, head of Polam Hall’s Junior School, said: “We pride ourselves on our work at the foundation stage and fully appreciate that it is the child’s first steps away from mum and home.
“We offer an open door policy and encourage parents to participate in school events and have an attractive indoor and outdoor environment where the children are encouraged to learn at their own rate of development and become more confident individuals.
“The woodlands adventure was a fantastic day, everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed their experiences and went home exhausted but extremely happy and we look forward to doing it again soon.”
Among the young woodlands adventurers was Teddy Roberts, whose father said: “Teddy enjoyed the day immensely and was especially proud of his woodland leaf crown.”
Another parent at the event, Karen Thomas, said: “The foundation staff made sure this was a wonderful experience and it was great to see the children learning and engaging in a safe and stimulating outdoor environment.”
Polam Hall will hold another fun day on the morning of June 15th. The event forms part of a school open day which will give parents the opportunity to find out how their children could benefit from attending the award-winning school.
Polam Hall has been based at its site in Darlington since 1854 and prides itself on maintaining its traditional values 
and rich heritage while being able to offer pupils the strongest possible skills for the future.
It caters for children aged between three and 18 and attracts students from all over the world and currently has foundation stage and junior school places available. For more information on the school visit: www.polamhall.com.