Specialist school partners with The Puddle Project to promote outdoor learning and wellbeing

Wargrave House School, based in Newton-le-Willows, has partnered with The Puddle Project to provide its students with outdoor learning opportunities.

Part of Remarkable Autism Charity, Wargrave House School supports autistic individuals aged 5 to 16 to access high-quality and bespoke education.

The partnership comes as the school is keen to enhance its outdoor learning curriculum offering and provide its learners with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom walls.

To celebrate the exciting partnership, a special event took place, welcoming Wargrave House School learners, staff, families, and Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Jeanette Banks.

During a speech, Cllr Jeanette Banks spoke about her long-standing relationship with the school and how this new partnership will create a unique opportunity for its learners to learn, play, and socialise in an outdoor setting.

At the event, learners were given a special tour where they learned about all things puddle. At Raven class, the learners toasted marshmallows and heard some important information to keep them safe around the fires.

Head Teacher, Mr Carl Glennon, commented on the exciting partnership. He said: “At Wargrave House School, we are also looking for new and imaginative ways to enhance our curriculum.

“We are delighted to be partnering with The Puddle Project and offering our learners the chance to explore natural outdoor environments. Outdoor learning is known to reduce stress, enhance emotional resilience, facilitate functional and imaginative play, and support cognitive functioning for autistic children.

Mr Glennon added: “This is an exciting time for our learners, and we are extremely grateful to The Puddle Project for its support. We look forward to working together.”

The Puddle Project is a self-sustaining social enterprise, evolving to the strategic and social needs of Warrington Borough Council. The project combines physical and mental wellbeing to support the local community.

Megan Walker, from The Puddle Project, said: “It is a joy to be in partnership with Wargrave House School, whose passion for the SEN community and visionary outlook on education, makes us extremely excited for what the future holds.”