School
18 June 2024
The Dales-NE24 4RE
Award packages
School address line 1
Blythdale
School address line 2
Cowpen Road
School postcode
NE24 4RE
School name
The Dales
School town/city
Blyth
Awards packages progress
Award ref
School context
The Dales is a specialist primary school based on two sites: Blythdale in Blyth and Ashdale in Ashington. We provide education for children with a variety of additional needs that may not otherwise be met in a mainstream setting. We have 170 children across both sites aged from 4 - 11.
School goals and ambitions
At The Dales, our Forest and Beach School interventions offer holistic, inclusive outdoor learning for pupils with special educational needs. Our hope is for these sessions to support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development by providing calming, natural environments where children can grow in confidence and build trusting relationships. For those not ready for the classroom, we will offer a nurturing alternative, helping pupils feel a sense of belonging. Through nature-based activities, sensory exploration, and teamwork, we hope to promote resilience, creativity, and a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom. We hope for in the next year to have OPAL integrated.
Status
Pass
Benchmarks ref
Impact school context
Forest School sessions are now held one to two times per week, providing regular opportunities for children to engage in nature based learning. We have introduced a rolling 3 week beach school rota, ensuring all children access these learning experiences throughout the term. Clarty Commandos takes place weekly, encouraging teamwork, resilience, and physical development through muddy, adventurous play. The adventure playground is also used weekly to promote risk taking and physical challenge in a safe, supervised environment. Staff training has been a key focus: all relevant staff are now trained in Commando Joe’s and more training is being rolled out to staff to enrich our teams.
Date purchased
17/Jul/2024
School ref Id
2088
Validation reports