Posted on: Friday 22 May 2026
A new outdoor classroom designed to improve pupil wellbeing and attendance has officially opened at West Monmouth School.
The Nature Nook log cabin, funded by a £10,000 grant from children’s charity Wooden Spoon, forms part of the school’s growing Forest School site.
The building was officially opened today by former Welsh international and Pontypool RFC player Graham Price, an ambassador for the charity.
The new space builds on the success of the school’s Forest School programme, which has been running for several years and has helped to improve attendance, in line with the Not In Miss Out campaign.
Since taking part, Year 7 pupil Georgina has increased her attendance by 11.2%, highlighting the positive impact of outdoor learning.
She said, "I feel like when I started, I had anger issues and it's helped calm me down, and I feel better for it. Learning outside is great and I am not afraid of bugs anymore!"
Year 8 pupil Eoghan, who's attendance improved by 10.1%, said, "I liked being outside doing Forest School. My favourite part was building the dens."
The new facility will allow staff to deliver outdoor learning all year round, regardless of the weather, supporting a more flexible and engaging approach to education. Activities include outdoor cooking, gardening, practical projects, and Agored Cymru qualifications.
Research shows that learning outdoors can improve concentration, reduce stress levels and support overall wellbeing.
The cabin holds sessions to help pupils manage anxiety and build confidence, as well as support to deal with bereavement and changes at home. They also run afterschool to give opportunities to parents to strengthen relationships with the school.
Emma Jordan, Headteacher at West Monmouth School, said:
“The new facilities will allow pupils to benefit from outdoor learning all year round whatever the Welsh weather throws at us. Forest Schools is a fantastic addition to our curriculum which has already been successful in engaging many, many learners.
“We are hugely grateful to Michael Allen, our Wellbeing Support Mentor, for the tireless work he has done in developing this provision and also to all the donors who have supported us.”
Wooden Spoon charity supports projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people, including those living with disabilities or at risk of disengaging from education.
The school has also secured a further £1,000 from Learning through Landscapes, providing equipment and 30 hours of staff training to support outdoor learning linked to the curriculum.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said:
"This innovative approach at West Monmouth School is exactly what we want to see, putting wellbeing at the heart of learning.
“This provision is clearly making a real difference, helping young people feel more settled in school and improving attendance. It’s a fantastic example of how schools can think outside the box to support their learners to thrive.”