Wild Roots
WHAT IS WILD ROOTS?
Wild Roots is Thurlstone Primary School’s inclusive outdoor learning provision, where children are given the opportunity to grow in confidence, resilience and self-belief through meaningful experiences in nature. Rooted in our whole-school vision of Grow Together; Learn Together; Feel Loved, Wild Roots provides a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, understood and able to succeed. Through exploration, teamwork, creativity and hands-on learning, we remove barriers, celebrate individual strengths and help children develop the skills they need to flourish both in school and beyond. Led by experienced senior leaders, Wild Roots is a place where every child can put down strong roots and grow into the very best version of themselves.
Vision Statement
At Wild Roots, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish in an environment where they feel safe, understood, and celebrated for who they are. Rooted in our school’s inclusive vision of Grow Together; Learn Together; Feel Loved, Wild Roots provides a nurturing outdoor learning environment where children can develop the confidence, resilience and relationships they need to thrive.
Designed to support children with additional needs, Wild Roots recognises that some children learn, communicate and regulate best through movement, nature and meaningful experiences. Our outdoor provision offers opportunities for exploration, challenge, creativity and reflection, enabling children to build on their strengths in a way that is engaging, purposeful and accessible.
Led by Mr Peace and Mr Hughes, two experienced senior leaders with inclusion and relational practice at the heart of their approach to teaching and learning, Wild Roots is built upon strong relationships, high expectations and an unwavering belief that every child can succeed. Their compassionate, child-centred approach ensures that every pupil is known, understood and supported to achieve their full potential.
Through carefully planned activities, children develop resilience by learning to embrace challenge, persevere through setbacks and celebrate personal achievement. They strengthen teamwork by working collaboratively, solving problems together and recognising the value that every individual brings. Positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do, helping children to develop trust, empathy, communication skills and a genuine sense of belonging.
Nature provides the perfect classroom for developing emotional regulation, independence, confidence and wellbeing. By removing barriers to learning and creating opportunities for success beyond the traditional classroom, Wild Roots empowers children to reconnect with learning, believe in themselves and transfer these skills into everyday school life.
At Wild Roots, we are not simply providing an alternative learning space; we are cultivating resilient, confident and compassionate young people who know they are valued, capable and loved. Together, we help every child put down strong roots, so they have the confidence to grow, the courage to overcome challenges and the skills to flourish both in school and beyond.
Wild Roots Alternative Provision – Strategic Objectives
GROW TOGETHER
Building belonging, relationships and resilience
At Wild Roots, we will:
- Foster a strong sense of belonging where every child feels accepted, respected and valued.
- Develop positive relationships through collaborative outdoor experiences that promote trust, teamwork and empathy.
- Build resilience by encouraging children to embrace challenge, manage setbacks and celebrate perseverance.
- Promote emotional regulation and self-awareness through restorative practices and time in nature.
- Strengthen communication and social interaction skills, enabling children to build meaningful relationships with their peers and adults.
LEARN TOGETHER
Removing barriers and inspiring confident learners
At Wild Roots, we will:
- Deliver engaging outdoor learning experiences that recognise and celebrate different ways of learning, particularly for children with additional needs.
- Develop children’s confidence, independence and problem-solving skills through practical, hands-on learning opportunities.
- Improve engagement with learning by providing meaningful experiences that connect with children’s interests, strengths and individual needs.
- Support children to transfer the resilience, communication and self-regulation skills developed in Wild Roots back into the classroom and wider school life.
- Maintain high expectations for every child, ensuring they are supported to achieve both academically and personally.
FEEL LOVED
Creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive
At Wild Roots, we will:
- Ensure every child feels safe, understood and valued through consistent, nurturing relationships with trusted adults.
- Champion an inclusive culture where neurodiversity is recognised as a strength and every child is celebrated for their unique qualities.
- Promote wellbeing through regular access to nature, physical activity and opportunities for reflection and mindfulness.
- Work in partnership with families, staff and external professionals to provide holistic support tailored to each child’s needs.
- Build children’s confidence, self-esteem and sense of identity so they leave Wild Roots believing in themselves and their ability to succeed.
Together, these objectives ensure that Wild Roots remains firmly rooted in our whole-school vision of Grow Together; Learn Together; Feel Loved, providing an inclusive, therapeutic outdoor environment where every child can develop the resilience, confidence and sense of belonging needed to flourish both in school and beyond.