We work with local primary schools delivering a range of forest school programmes.
Schools we have worked with recently include: St Erth, Pensans, St Mary’s COE, St Madderns COE, St Just, Pendeen and Penpol.
Cornwall Community Foundation Family Project
We were fortunate to receive a small grant from Norman Family Trust and Cornwall Community Foundation towards a Family project. These awards were added to monies fundraised by our CIC, St. Erth Friends and Family group and Friends of Shifting Horizons.
The sessions were invaluable as a way of supporting families to play together, spend precious time together and learn about each other. All families were given lots of opportunities for paired and group work/play. As we focused on families needing support some adults were surprised to see their children in a co-operative environment.
One parent (we worked with her two sons, both on the ASD spectrum) was surprised at J’s interaction with his peers. She loved seeing the special place that the boys talked non-stop about. ‘I am amazed at how J is taking part in games and not getting angry’. She was surprised the boys could play together as they fight constantly at home.
Another parent shared that R gets very angry at home (family with history of domestic violence) and she is relieved he talks about his dad at forest school. She was surprised at his ability to compromise with his peers rather than dominating situations. She thanked R for inviting her and he did not stop smiling.
Another family required further support so we have helped to signpost further holiday and family support from other agencies.
We hope to expand this service in the future.