IS there a better way for to study maths, shapes and English than by spending the afternoon toasting marshmallows around a campfire?

At Cheshire Day Nursery’s forest school, learning looks a lot like playing to most of the children.

And that is why youngsters from the age of two find out so much about reading, writing, maths and other areas of the pre-school curriculum before their first day in reception class.

Staff at the Grammar School Road centre say children learn things like basic maths skills by being tasked with collecting five sticks, or they practice holding a pen to write by using sticks to draw pictures in the sandpit.

Felicity Mannering, forest school lead, said: “We try to do everything we do indoors outdoors, like baking, reading and arts and crafts.

“It’s huge for the children’s confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem. And parents love seeing the pictures.

“We want to make some of their curriculum hands on learning outside because as soon as you go to school it’s tables and chairs.

“At this age they learn to do a lot of mark making. They pick up sticks and write in the sand so it develops their grip and shows them it’s not all about a pen and a piece of paper.”

There are areas for reading, a workstation where children can put on high-vis hard hats and use small tools and a pit where Felicity builds a small fire while the youngsters watch mesmerised and give her safety advice.

She said: “Everything we do is a practical application of their education. It’s fun for them but it also allows them to use what they learn and be creative.

“Learning through play allows them to reach different areas of development.

“Being outdoors really appeals to the children and the girls like it just as much as the boys.”

Felicity said that at first some parents are nervous to have their children toasting marshmallows or climbing trees at pre-school. But staff are specially trained and before the fire is even built, the youngsters have a safety talk about first aid and the risks of getting too close to the flames.

The cautious group then sit on logs set back from the fire pit and when their turn comes around, they carefully walk up and kneel at the side of the campfire to cook their marshmallow.

And it is clear that all of them enjoy playing outdoors making mud pies or pretending to be captain of the pirate ship. A child who recently left to start primary school built a bird house with his grandfather as a thank you gift.

For more information visit thecheshiredaynursery.co.uk.

COMPETITION TIME:

Win a Cheshire Forest Schools Birthday Party for your child - courtesy of The Cheshire Day Nursery Group.

Choose from a range of themes including: Superheroes, Fairies and Elves, and Dinosaurs, as well as much-loved tales ‘The Stick Man’, ‘The Gruffalo’, ‘Room on the Broom’ and ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’. 

Held in the ‘big forest’ at The Cheshire Day Nursery @ Winwick on Hollins Drive, the prize includes one hour of forest-based activities, such as den building, led by a fully-qualified Forest School Practitioner. 

Party-goers will then help to safely build a campfire, before sitting around it together to eat their packed lunches, and to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to your child as they are presented with their birthday cake. 

Popcorn and marshmallows are provided for toasting, so children can enjoy a bit of campfire cooking. 

There is free on-site parking and free hot drinks for adults who are welcome to stay at the nursery. 

To be in with a chance of winning, find the competition code in today's paper or find the competition post on the Warrington Guardian Facebook page.

Deadline for entries is midnight on October 11.

Terms and Conditions:

The prize is a party for 10 children who are all aged 3 and up. The winner will be offered the next available Saturday or Sunday that is closest to their child's birthday. The available time slots are from 10am to 12noon, or from 1pm to 3pm.

Forest School Parties take place all year round in all weathers. (Children are asked to wear appropriate foot and outerwear). Parents must provide their own packed lunches, and a birthday cake and party bags (if they wish).