We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have such fantastic resources across our locations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. From our activities in the grounds of Fairthorne Manor, to creating edible gardens at our Whale Island Nursery, we try to fully utilise these resources as much as possible. Right on the doorstep of YMCA Winchester House in Shanklin is Sandown Bay, a sand beach that stretches for much of the Isle of Wight‘s southeastern coast. What better way to make use of this space than by our new beach school sessions!

Beach school is a similar concept to forest school as it uses the beach as an environment for a whole new learning experience. Our qualified beach school practitioner Hayley leads our Nursery and Daycamps children in a range of activities including mark making in the sand, exploring habitats and lighting fires to toast marshmallows. Watch the video below to see our beach school session in action.