Springfield SEND School's Forest School BBQ Cabin
Springfield School caters for children and young people between the ages of 4 – 19 with Severe Learning Difficulties and Complex needs. Admission to Springfield School is for children and young people who hold a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health Care Plan.
School Business Manager, Lynn Stubbs, approached our team of experts. She expressed the school's need for an outdoor learning cabin for accessible forest learning. Springfield School bought a 17m² Cabin with a BBQ Grill to allow the children to experience fire in a safe environment. Importantly, we made the cabin accessible for wheelchair users.
Later, we were invited back to see the young people enjoying a Forest Learning lesson with Emma Godwin and the team.
Watch the video to find out more...
Benefits of the Forest School BBQ Cabin
Forest School
'We’ve been offering Forest School for the last 3 years and it’s been a huge success. Now, our cabin has vastly improved our experience! It's made a massive difference to us. This is because whatever the weather, we can get outdoors and still be sheltered from the rain, wind or snow. Also, it's made it possible for our wheelchair users to take part in Forest Learning all year round, which has been amazing.'
A Sensory experience
'Significantly, our pupils get a multi-sensory experience from the cabin when learning about bushcraft. Essentially, we enjoy the sounds of the fire, the smell of the wood, and the different textures of the materials we use to build the fire. What's more, we even get to experience the sensation of taste from the toasted marshmallows. They're a big hit!'
Safe Fire Learning
'It’s a great opportunity for the students to learn about fire in a safe way. After, we then look at teaching cooking in the cabin as well. The students really enjoy this.'
Connection to Nature
'Connecting to the outdoors is really beneficial for our students. They come outside into the natural environment and are surrounded by wood, with windows that look out into nature. I think it makes them feel a lot more relaxed! Furthermore, I believe that the sounds of the birds and trees outside have a really calming effect, helping them to focus on their learning.'
Group work
'The circular shape of the cabin undoubtedly creates a sense of community. This is because all of the students are able to see each other when we are sitting in there. Also, they are able to hear each other, and it functions really well for group work too.'
Conclusion
'Having the cabin has certainly taken Forest School and bushcraft to the next level for me. Moreover, it’s enabled students that wouldn’t otherwise have been able to access Forest School or outdoor learning to have full access to experience this type of learning.'
We were lucky enough to meet Judy Colclough, the Vice Chair of Governors. Here's what Judy told us:
Relaxation
'Everybody feels more chilled out because the atmosphere is so relaxed. The surroundings are so beautiful and the woody aromas of the cabin make everybody feel as if we're in the countryside.'
Wellbeing & Mindfulness
'We find our BBQ cabin hugely beneficial. It’s one of the best things we’ve ever bought for the children to support their wellbeing and mindfulness!'
Inspired by Springfield SEND School's Forest School BBQ Cabin? Contact us today! 
