Enjoying everything the park has to offer, Duncombe pupils at Garden School

A PRIMARY school is fundraising to keep a course in nature going for its pupils.

Duncombe Primary School in Finsbury Park is fundraising for £10,000 to ensure that a 10-week programme, run by charity the Garden Classroom, stays on the timetable.

According to the school, a high percentage of their pupils are from disadvantaged backgrounds, and this programme gives those children a chance to make the most of nearby green space, learn about the environment, and how to take care of the natural world.

“Our head teacher is really behind us with this. But, unfortunately, with the budget the way it is, we can’t make it happen again next year unless we fundraise,” said reception teacher Catherine Hunter.

“We’re hoping some local businesses might donate. But, even if people could donate £20 or whatever they could afford, that would be amazing.”

According to Ms Hunter, the Garden Classroom, which takes place in a forested area of Elthorne Park, benefits the kids’ mental and physical health, as well as their social skills.

“Even though these children come here [outside of school], and say ‘this is my local park’, they have never been to this bit of the park,” she said. “They’re taken to the playground, and that’s what they think a park is. We’ve got these great resources on our doorstep – just a five-minute walk from our school – but, the kids just don’t know how to use a park like this. It gets them out of the classroom and into nature, which we know is proven to be beneficial for all aspects of child development.”

Parent Leane Martin says the classes benefit her daughter, Chloe-May, who has autism.

“The classes help her with her sensory issues, which is really great,” she said. “She gets to go outside, she gets to touch things, but she’s taught the right things she can touch and the wrong things she can’t – for example, Chloe likes to pick lots of flowers, but sometimes she’ll go for a stinging nettle … The group activities they do are really, really good for her socialising as well.

Anyone who wants to donate should email success@duncombeprimary.co.uk