Welcome to the class page for Red Squirrels!

Our class identity is “Red Squirrels are special as we are rare”.

This is where you can find out about what we have been learning, our daily routines and see what Red Squirrels is all about.

Our Class Teacher is Mrs Tate on a Monday & Tuesday & Mrs Bishop on Wednesday to Friday.

Please come into school wearing your P.E. kit on our P.E. day which for EYFS children is Thursdays & for Year 1 children is Tuesdays & Thursdays.

To learn more about what we will be learning during the academic year 2025-2026 please refer to the Curriculum Maps below.  Our Big Question for this half-term for our EYFS children is “I wonder …. what lives on a rock pool?”  and for our Year 1 children is “I wonder… what makes London special?”

This academic year our Courageous Advocate is Rosa Parks & our Author is Joseph Coelho.

We are looking forward to a fun filled year of learning!

Forest School

Our EYFS children in Red Squirrels class took part in Forest School from Tuesday 9th September 2025 to Tuesday 21st October 2025 (7  sessions).  They all had a fabulous time!

Our Year 1 children in Red Squirrels class took part in Forest School from Tuesday 4th November 2025 to Tuesday 16th December 2025 (6 sessions). They all had a fabulous time!

Our EYFS children in Red Squirrels class took part in Forest School from Tuesday 6th January 2026 to Tuesday 10th February 2026 (6 sessions).  They all had a fabulous time!

Our EYFS & Year 1 children in Red Squirrels class took part in Forest School from Tuesday 24th February 2026 to Tuesday 24th March 2026 (5 sessions).  They all had a fabulous time!

Our EYFS children in Red Squirrels class took part in Forest School from Tuesday 14th April 2026 to Tuesday 19th May 2026 (6 sessions).  They all had a fabulous time!

Our EYFS children in Red Squirrels class will be taking part in Forest School from Tuesday 2nd June 2026 to Tuesday 14th July 2026 (7 sessions).  All sessions will take place within the school grounds.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an ethos which encourages children’s emotional and physical development through outdoor play, activities and exploration in a woodland environment.  The philosophy of Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive experiences and participation in engaging and motivating achievable tasks and activities fostering:

• Independence
• Confidence
• Communication Skills
• Self-esteem

These attributes have proved to be an effective foundation that raises academic achievement and is therefore an excellent way to support the National Curriculum and consolidate learning in the classroom.

Forest School at Christchurch

Forest School takes place outdoors whatever the weather.  Therefore waterproof/ showerproof clothing is essential, sensible footwear, and other clothing appropriate for the weather e.g. hats and gloves if it is cold. We will undertake activities such as shelter building, bug hunting, den making, knot tying and other creative tasks.  Many activities will be spontaneous, based upon the children’s interest. Forest School activities involve the lighting of fires and the use of tools.  All the activities have been checked for safety and a risk assessment has been carried out.

Forest School & PE Kit Requirements

Due to attending Forest School for the period 1st June 2026 to 17th July 2026 EYFS children in Red Squirrels class will only have PE once a week on Thursdays.

They need to come to school on Tuesdays wearing clothing suitable for Forest School.

EYFS children in Red Squirrels class will ONLY need to come to school in their PE kits on Thursdays.

We hope the children enjoy taking part in these sessions.