Memorial Woodlands is thrilled that Alveston’s ongoing play scheme, set up for children with special needs has returned to Memorial Woodlands’ (non-cemetery) grounds this October half term.

South Gloucestershire Council's inclusion support team run the scheme during school holidays at Memorial Woodlands and Ofcom Inspectors have found every aspect of the play scheme to be outstanding. The report states ‘The children swing on the hammock and explore the sunlight through the trees with intense curiosity’.

‘Overall the setting works exceptionally well with the children and their families to establish trusting relationships and promote children’s welfare’.

Children at the scheme are aged between three and five and have learning difficulties including autism and other social, behavioural and communication issues. Nineteen children attended the summer scheme and on the last day their parents were invited to come and join them for a picnic so that they too could enjoy their child’s woodland experience.

Jane Gulliver, special educational needs coordinator, leads a team of 11 professionals working at the woodland site. Using her training as a forest schools leader, she takes the children out of the classroom and into nature to inspire memorable learning experiences.

She said: "We are delighted with the outstanding report from Ofsted which we will use to inform our future practice. And I can't thank the woodlands enough for being so generous and letting us use this outdoor space so creatively for the benefit of the children we support. The children are entirely safe here, and can run around to their hearts content, it’s wonderful."