Staghills Children’s Centre is a fantastic organisation based in Newchurch, Rawtenstall. Staghills provides a variety of valuable services for local children and the community. The centre and its wonderful staff are totally dedicated and focused on giving youngsters the best possible start in life.
The facility is rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED and provides both nursery and daycare services, as well as a range of outreach and community support activities, and advice and guidance for parents.
Among the many excellent opportunities that Staghills provides for children is its innovative Forest School. The concept of a forest school was first developed in Germany and Scandinavia over 50 years ago and such schools are now common on the continent.
The ethos of the forest school idea is to take children’s learning outside of the 4 walls of the classroom and into the great outdoors. This gives children the chance to learn in a constantly changing environment, where the colours, textures, sounds and wildlife around them are so varied. This creates a truly stimulating and sensory learning environment.
Sadly, last year the duck house and chicken coop at the centre were badly damaged by vandals. The security camera was also smashed in the attack and tragically two ducks also died, leaving one solitary duck, Donald, homeless.
The senseless attack understandably left the staff and the children extremely upset and anyone would be moved by the reaction of the children. Headteacher Linda Connelly told local reporters at the time how, “One little girl came in dressed as a superhero to try and protect the woods and a little boy brought in his money box to donate to new enclosures.”
Thankfully, this horrible story does have a very happy ending. The school commented on how the local community had rallied round and offered amazing support and help with the repair work.
B & E Boys were really happy to help by donating material to rebuild the duck house and are really pleased to hear that the children are enjoying seeing Donald back in a brand new enclosure and loving his new home.
We received a lovely letter of thanks from the staff, children (and Donald!) inviting us to see how he has settled back in.
Boys are always happy to help the local community in whatever way we can and we are looking forward to paying a visit to the school.