Forest School Funding – 5 Top Tips to Get the Most from your Grant!
If you are a teacher or a parent, you may have heard about the Forest School Grant Scheme and be wondering how the grant should be spent at your school? Schools are being granted £500 by the Government to enhance outdoor learning and play areas. At Cost Cutters UK, we believe that outdoor learning and play is an important part of developing the children’s creativity and independence. Here are our 5 top tips to get the most from your grant.
Choose equipment you can build on – At Cost Cutters UK, we have a variety of different play equipment. If your school chooses to spend your grant on a piece or two of play equipment, it may be a good idea to purchase part of a set. If you purchase part of a set, such as a small climbing frame, sensory equipment or outdoor instruments, it may be a good idea to build on them with grants and fundraisers in the future.
Equipment to suit your school – Enhance the subject your school is focussing on with the Forest School Grant Scheme. Whether your school is currently focusing on drama, art or sports, we have equipment to suit your requirements. If your school is currently creating a summer school play, consider purchasing one of our outdoor stages , outdoor climbing frames, Sensory Equipment, outdoor school furniture, outdoor playground equipment, outdoor monkey bars for early years or our selection of trikes. If the children at your school are particularly enjoying art, we have a wide range of easels and chalkboards and if it is science you would like to build on, we have exciting equipment such as our bugs life insect house.
Be practical – If there’s something you’re thinking your school has been needing for a while, this could be a great opportunity to get it. We know that there is a lot of important practical equipment needed in schools as well as fun outdoor equipment and games. Your school’s grant could be used on practical items such as Cost Cutters’ durable, weather proof outdoor sink.
Ask the children – When deciding what to spend your school’s grant on, why not ask the children? Once you have discussed ways to spend your grant and narrowed down the options, asking the children to vote on what they would like to have at their school could be an exciting opportunity for them. Asking the children for their opinions and votes will help you decide how to spent the grant and reassure you that the equipment you purchase will be used and enjoyed!
Have fun! – Take this opportunity to purchase something fun for the children! After a hard year for the students and the teachers, this grant could be used for a fun piece of play equipment for the school. Whether it’s outdoor monkey bars, a tepee or some trikes, the new equipment is sure to lift the children’s spirits.