We are currently fundraising to provide outdoor shelters for pupils at Doucecroft School to benefit from covered practical areas for outdoor learning and play.

it is well documented that being outdoors improves children's mental health and wellbeing and studies have shown that pupils have increased concentration and are more motivated, inspired and willing to learn when they are outdoors. The opportunity to learn and play outdoors can also give children who find it difficult to concentrate or engage inside an alternative option thereby reducing negative behaviours and increasing concentration.

With the addition of outdoor zones at Doucecroft we expect to see:

• Increased time being spent outdoors
• Increased time engaging in physical activity
• A reduction in stress and anxiety
• Increase in positive behaviour and social interactions
• Increase in social engagement at play times
• Relationships formed and communication skills developed

The permanent gazebo structures will provide protection from both the sun and rain meaning that lessons can take place outside all year round and will have many uses, including:

• lunchtime activities & role play
• Outdoor classrooms
• Sensory play 
• Outdoor dining / picnics
• Socialisation and relaxation
• An area for hands-on activities such as messy art or science experiments
• Gathering sports teams before and after games have taken place
• A dry waiting area for parents and carers
• Small group interventions away from the classroom

Please help us to provide these for the children at Doucecroft School. The money raised, the more zones we can create around the school grounds.