At Practically Family, we’ve always believed we’re more than just Holiday Club providers.

Yes, we bring the fun (lots of it).
Yes, we create brilliant days for children during the holidays.

But more than anything, we see ourselves as part of the school community. And when you feel part of something, you want to invest in it. You want to leave it better than you found it.

 

A green space with so much potential

At one of our much-loved venues, Greenbank Preparatory School & Day Nursery, we’ve been looking a little more closely at their forest school wild area.

Because if there’s one thing we know, it’s this: Children thrive outdoors.

Give them space, fresh air, a few tools and a bit of freedom, and suddenly they’re building, creating, problem-solving, working together… completely immersed in what they’re doing.

We could see the potential straight away. Not just for Holiday Club, but for the school and nursery every single day.

So, with a bit of Practically Family magic (and yes… some actual tools too), we’re working with Greenbank School to create something really special.

 

Led by the children (of course!)

Before we picked up a single tool, we went straight to the experts…

The children.

We spent time in school with the Eco-Council, brainstorming ideas and encouraging them to think big. Really big. Nothing was off limits. And they delivered.

We heard ideas for:

• Mud slides


• Underground bunkers


• A bee area


• Hammocks


• A music zone

From there, we worked together to narrow things down to four options, which were then put to a whole-school vote.

 

And the winners are…

After all the votes were counted, two ideas came out on top:

A climbing area made from wooden stepping stones
A hammock-style space for relaxing, reading and switching off

Spaces for movement and calm. Adventure and downtime. Exactly what outdoor play should offer!!

 

Get involved

This project isn’t just something we’re building for the children – it’s something we’d love families to be part of too.

Can You Help Us Build the Wild Area?

We’re inviting families to help us bring the space to life using reused and recycled materials

If you have any of the following at home, we’d love to give them a second life:

Building & Structure
Wooden pallets, crates, planks, logs, branches, bamboo

Mud Kitchen Play
Old pots, pans, utensils, kettles, containers

Planting & Growing
Plant pots, baskets, seeds, small plants, compost

Creative Play
Bottle lids, plastic bottles, corks, tiles, shells, stones

Extras
Watering cans, buckets, pipes/guttering, fabric or old sheets

Please ensure items are clean, safe and suitable for children to use.

Why it matters

Every donation helps us create something imaginative, sustainable and truly special for the children. Donations can be dropped at the school office by Friday 15th May.

 

Children’s Design Competition

Children are invited to create a design that will be etched onto a plaque and revealed at the grand opening.

Closing date: Tuesday 5th May
Winner announced: Friday 15th May

If your form didn’t quite make it home (we’ve all been there), you can download one here.

 

A little something for the grown-ups too…

As a thank you, we’re running a free prize draw for parents, with the chance to win an un-bee-lievable bee-themed bundle, including:

• A Sass & Belle lunchbox


• A lavender plant


• A jar of honey


• Bee socks


• A wax candle


• A thermal coffee cup


• And a few extra surprises

To enter, simply pop your details into the form at the bottom of this blog.

Winner announced: Friday 15th May

 

You’re invited: The Grand Reveal

This is the bit we’re really excited about…

Join us as we officially open the brand new Greenbank Wild Project:

Monday 25th May
11am–12pm

With our special VIP guests, we’ll be cutting the ribbon to open the newly transformed forest school area, revealing the winning plaque design, and, most importantly, watching the children be the very first to experience it.

It’s their space, after all.

 

Make a day of it… Practically Family Fest

And if you fancy making a proper day of it, join us for Practically Family Fest.

From 12pm, we’ll be kicking things off with Practically Family Fest - our very own family festival packed with everything you’d expect from a Practically Family day out.

Think:

• Big inflatables


• Creative activities


• Outdoor play & games


• Glitter and face painting bars


• Food & drink stalls (yes, even a Champagne bar for the grown ups!)


• A brilliant atmosphere for families to relax, play and enjoy time together

And, if you come to the Grand Reveal, you’ll have early access to all this!

It’s free to attend, full of energy, and a lovely way to spend time with the family on a Bank Holiday Monday.

You must RSVP to attend Practically Family Fest. Find out more and book your spot here.

 

Watch it all come to life

We’ll be sharing the journey as it unfolds - from early builds to the final finishing touches - so keep an eye on our socials (Facebook and Instagram) to see the transformation take shape.

And if you’d like more ideas, updates and plenty of free inspiration for family life, you can also sign up to our emails - think simple activities, seasonal ideas and little ways to make the days feel more fun!

 

Prize Draw Terms & Conditions

Entry to the prize draw is free, with no purchase necessary and open to parents of children who attend Greenbank Preparatory School & Day Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. By entering you will be added to our mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time. One winner will be selected at random & announced on Friday 15th May. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered. The winner will be contacted directly and, if no response is received within five days, Practically Family reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Practically Family also reserves the right to amend or withdraw the competition at any time.