BLACKBURN College is the first in the country to offer an innovative new approach to learning with its Forest School enrichment programme.

The Feilden Street college is now offering the CACHE endorsed Forest School enrichment programme as part of its level three Childhood Studies qualification.

The Forest School is an innovative Danish approach, providing children and young adults with the opportunities to learn and grow within a natural environment.

Students have already been working with primary schools in the area on the Forest School idea which offers hands-on learning experiences outdoors.

Promoting equality, creativity and independence of thought, the programme aims to develop a child’s ability to initiate and drive their own learning and development.

It has been endorsed by CACHE, the UK's leading sector specialist in qualifications for the care and education industry.

Childhood Studies Lecturer Sue Croasdale has made Blackburn College’s offering possible, and brings her expertise as a Forest School Leader to the department.

She said: "It is such a wonderful concept and I am so excited that our Forest School learning programme has been endorsed by CACHE.

“Not only does the Forest School experience benefit the children but it also has a notable impact on our students’ mental health and quality of learning.

“The students absolutely love taking part and it offers a rich and varied approach to learning that is so different to studying within a classroom.”

Blackburn College students are currently working with St Paul’s RC Primary School in Feniscowles and St Peter’s CE Primary School in Accrington.

Ms Croasdale is hoping to extend the offering to health and social care students.

She added: "The programme has such a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing, I would love to eventually take the concept into care homes."

A spokesman for CACHE described the programme as a 'superb enrichment programme of high quality and inspiring content.

He said: “The opportunity to learn in a woodland environment will also have an impact on learners’ confidence, self-esteem and personal well-being.

“CACHE is delighted to give endorsement of this learning programme. Congratulations to all involved.”