Ducklings at Beach School

Ducklings had their very first Beach School session, and it’s safe to say it was a huge success! The children were incredibly sensible as we walked down to the sunny beach, demonstrating excellent behaviour and strong awareness of road safety along the way.

Once we arrived, the children couldn’t wait to enjoy the wide, open space. They had a quick run across the sand, making the most of the freedom to move and explore in a safe, natural environment. This kind of active outdoor play is so valuable for children in EYFS, supporting their physical development, coordination, and overall wellbeing.

The afternoon was filled with exciting discoveries and hands-on learning. Some children explored the rock pools, where they found limpets clinging to rocks, sea snails moving through the seaweed, and even a small crab! With support, a few brave volunteers gently held the crab, feeling its tiny, tickly feet as it scuttled across their hands. This was a wonderful opportunity to learn about respecting living creatures and understanding the importance of caring for wildlife.

Others enjoyed digging deep holes in the sand, noticing how the sand became wetter the further they dug. They loved creating their own miniature pools at the bottom, an excellent way to explore early scientific concepts through play.

Meanwhile, our sandcastle builders showed fantastic perseverance and problem-solving skills. They worked hard to get just the right amount of sand, packed it down carefully, and tipped their buckets with great concentration. The pride on their faces when they created the perfect sandcastle was truly special!

Beach School provides such a rich learning environment for young children. It encourages curiosity, creativity, resilience and teamwork, all while connecting them with the natural world. Experiences like this are incredibly beneficial in helping children to build confidence, develop key skills and foster a lifelong love of learning outdoors.

It really was the best afternoon and we can’t wait for our next Beach School adventure!