l Inspiration for resources to buy with your hard-earned PTA cash! PTA Hot F£500 FROM
OR A DAY SESSION
Make your own willow structure
Willowpool Designs runs hands-on sessions with nursery-, primary- and secondary-age children to create sustainable living willow dens. Many schools use the structures as a focus for forest school activities or as part of an eco or peace garden. They also make a great shaded space for creative play. Children are involved in all stages of the project, from marking out the structure, planting the willow rods and weaving them into domes, tunnels and even dragons! Den-building is ideal for group projects and encourages children to work together, giving them a sense of ownership and achievement.
Kate Leyland, headteacher, Inskip St Peter’s CofE Primary School, Preston, Lancashire (56 pupils):
‘Our PTA had raised money in order to enhance our outdoor area, and a woven willow structure was the unanimous choice. We were keen that the children took ownership of the structure through building it themselves and Willowpool Designs offered an immersive experience for the children, with hands-on involvement throughout the day. The first time Willowpool came to
our school (in 2015), they got every single child involved in creating a very large willow dome, which the children have enjoyed playing in every day for the past four years. Soon after it was built, one of our reception pupils asked: “Please may I go and play in the twigloo?” We loved the name so much that it’s been
known as the twigloo ever since. During another visit, Willowpool
helped us create a magnificent woven tree to add to our outdoor area, and individual willow sculptures that each child took home. They are returning later this year to help the children extend our twigloo by weaving a tunnel off the main structure. Willowpool have a lovely way
with the pupils, demonstrating and explaining clearly what they should do and keeping them interested throughout the sessions. They leave behind a good-quality product that can be enjoyed for many years, and can be seen by everyone who
contributed to the fundraising.’ l For more information, visit
willowpooldesigns.co.uk
pta.co.uk SPRING 2020 53
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