In 2018, Enable2 provided forest school taster sessions to two ethnically diverse schools in Dewsbury that proved to be both popular and effective in engaging dads in their children’s school and learning. One of these schools, Boothroyd Primary, had such success with the initial sessions that Enable2 agreed to fund more forest schools to further engage dads in their children’s learning, develop a closer bond with their children and to help them feel more comfortable and a part of the school community.
Enable2’s social return manager Helen Hoyle contacted our partners, Get Out More CIC (Community Interest Company) and spoke to Annie Berrington there who suggested a programme of walks and outdoor activities. As a result, we commissioned Get Out More to deliver a series of ten sessions to take place in the summer and autumn terms at Boothroyd Primary.
The project came along at just the right time for Boothroyd Academy, who had identified that their many school activities were geared towards mums, resulting in dads being left out. They identified the need to break down barriers to dads feeling comfortable in and with school so that they could better engage with their child’s education.
Mandi Reeve, Parent Engagement Officer, SEN and Resource Practitioner, explains about the background to the project.
“The fathers’ project came about from the leadership team asking staff to volunteer to lead and manage a parent engagement project, which would count towards our continuous professional development. I wrote a proposal and presented it to the leadership team, which was accepted. I have led and managed the project over the last 12 months, including presenting it at Leeds Trinity University to help students who are currently studying for a Master’s degree in Family Support.”
The forest school sessions were geared towards dads and children being able to enjoy the great outdoors. There were lots of games, tool work, natural art, rope work (swings and bridges,) nature identification, fire lighting and den building.
A good number of different parents came to attend the sessions, but it was difficult for many fathers to attend more than one or two sessions, as for many it was necessary to take time off work. However, to the delight of their children, a small group of dads did make an extra effort to come into school on several occasions to enjoy spending some quality time together.
In total, 48 children and 39 parents benefited from the fun and fresh air of forest school. Families rated the sessions as very good or good. And there has been excellent and useful feedback:
“I enjoyed spending time with my daughter. It’s not something that happens a lot.”
“I liked seeing him away from his computer. Outdoors is a more natural habitat for children.”
“It’s great having one to one time. We’re learning while they’re learning.”
“It’s a hands-on learning experience and we’ve learnt skills that we could use camping.”
Mandi Reeve said “The sessions are going really well and the comments from dads have all been very positive. We have noticed more fathers coming in school, such as at our Breakfast Mornings and coming to talk to the teachers. Many dads haven’t stepped foot in school since their own school days!
The children have loved having their dad at school. They don’t realise that they are learning together outside – but they are!
We are working towards a Leading Parent Partnership Award and are currently putting our portfolio together, which includes this work with dads. The assessor was very impressed and told us we are a model for other schools on parent engagement.”