HOLBETON preschool’s beach school has added another dimension to their outdoor curriculum this term.

Parents now drop their children off at Mothecombe House at 9am, and the children have the opportunity to meander through the gardens to the beach.

On the way, they can explore the tree-house beside the fairy tree and marvel at the prehistoric-looking giant plants by the pond.

When the drizzle becomes a downpour, the children scamper into the little beach house to warm up and toast marshmallows on the fire.

A spokesperson for the preschool said: ‘Nothing deters the children from enjoying their regular day at the beach, and the teaching that is woven into their play just adds to their fun. No wonder mothers are driving from Totnes and Plymouth for their children’s early years education.’

The children also enjoy their Forest School day in Holbeton, walking the short distance from Holbeton village hall car park down to the Flete Estate woods on the edge of the village.

Construction of a fire pit and a new shelter has allowed for year-round outdoor teaching in the woods.

And the great news for parents and children is that the Forest School continues when they join Holbeton Primary School, with two different groups for Key Stage 1 and 2.

The older children are particularly delighted, as they missed out on Forest School before. Now the dynamic new head of school Jackie Rundle, who is enthusiastic about the benefits of outdoor learning, has put it firmly on the syllabus for all children at Holbeton Primary School and plans to offer taster days in May.