Young People Thrive Through Hands-On Forest School Learning at The LookOut@Haldon

Young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Devon are building confidence, gaining nationally recognised qualifications and reconnecting with education through an innovative Forest School programme run by Newton Abbot-based Community Support Team (CST) at The LookOut@Haldon. From learning essential fire safety to building bat boxes and bug hotels, each session combines outdoor learning with accredited education, helping young people develop practical life skills while working towards nationally recognised AQA Unit Award Scheme certificates.

CST is a Devon-based Community Interest Company (CIC) that provides specialist education, mentoring and person-centred support for young people with SEND, including those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and those experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Working in partnership with local authorities, SEN and inclusion teams, schools and other professionals, CST delivers bespoke programmes that improve educational outcomes, promote independence and empower young people and their families to overcome barriers to learning and everyday life.

Throughout the summer term, students have taken part in a wide range of outdoor learning experiences through CST's Forest School, The LookOut@Haldon. Activities have included fire safety and fire lighting, wildlife identification, bug hunting, building bug hotels, and designing and constructing bat boxes.

One of the highlights of the programme was a series of bat box building sessions, where students learned about local bat species, their habitats and the importance of conservation. Under the guidance of experienced staff, they safely measured, cut and assembled their own bat boxes from reclaimed timber. The session combined environmental education with practical woodworking skills, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving and safe tool use.

Each activity contributes towards AQA Unit Award Scheme certificates, giving young people the opportunity to gain nationally recognised achievements while celebrating their progress. Beyond the qualifications, Forest School provides an environment where students can develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and independence through hands-on learning in nature. The outdoor setting also supports emotional wellbeing, encourages curiosity and creativity, and allows young people to learn at their own pace in a supportive and inclusive environment.

One young person who attended the programme said: "I never thought I'd be able to use tools or build something myself, but now I've made a bat box that I can be proud of. Not everyone learns in the same way, especially people like me. Being outside makes learning feel different, and I've learned loads without even realising it."

Neil Vaughan, Managing Director of the Community Support Team, said: “Not every young person learns best in a classroom, and Forest School gives them the opportunity to succeed in a way that works for them.

"Every activity is designed to build confidence, independence and practical life skills while helping them reconnect with education in a positive and enjoyable environment. Seeing our young people discover what they are capable of is incredibly rewarding.

"I'd also like to recognise the fantastic work of our Forest School leaders, Rich and Steve, whose enthusiasm, patience and dedication create an environment where every young person feels supported, encouraged and able to succeed."

Rich and Steve, Forest School Leaders and Learning Mentors at CST, add: "We're incredibly grateful to be able to deliver our Forest School The LookOut@Haldon, working alongside Forestry England, whose support enables us to deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences at Haldon Forest Park.The setting itself is a fantastic resource that inspires curiosity, confidence and a real connection with the natural world."

As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, CST is currently fundraising to further develop The LookOut@Haldon, creating additional outdoor learning spaces and purchasing equipment that will enable even more young people to benefit from Forest School experiences. Anyone wishing to support the project can donate via: https://gofund.me/a6f1960ae