Coombes Approach

Over the last 40 years the Coombes School in Berkshire, UK, has developed an international reputation for its innovative approach to Nursery and Infant teaching. In this book Sue Humphries, the founder of the school, and Sue Rowe, the former headteacher, explore the principles behind the school and how others can learn from its approach. In particular, the book focuses on the innovative use of the school's environment as a unique 'outdoor classroom' and the development of a sustainable and safe environment in which pupils can play and learn.



The Coombes Approach covers a comprehensive range of topics from curriculum design, pastoral care and the wider policy and community contexts in which the school has operated. Supported by an online resource bank of pictures of the school environment and pupils' activities, this is an essential read for school leaders seeking to learn from the successes of the Coombes School's unique approach to teaching.

Susan Rowe is the former headteacher of the Coombes School and was closely involved in developing the school and its outdoor classroom. She joined the school in 1978 and retired in January 2010. Together with Sue Humphries, she has written widely about elements of the school and its practice.

Susan Humphries became the founding headteacher of the Coombes School in 1971 and she has developed the school's outdoor landscape over the last 40 years. She retired in 2002 but is still actively involved in this work.