Forest School
Forest School gives our pupils the opportunity to learn, explore and develop through regular experiences in the natural environment.
Outdoor learning offers children a different way to discover the world around them. Through practical, hands-on experiences, pupils are encouraged to be curious, creative and independent, while developing confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Our Forest School provision supports our school values of Nurture, Resilience, Inspiration and Respect. Children learn to care for themselves, one another and the natural environment, while developing the resilience to try new things, overcome challenges and learn from their experiences.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is an approach to outdoor learning that gives children regular opportunities to explore and learn in a natural setting.
Rather than simply taking classroom activities outside, Forest School encourages children to investigate, experiment, make choices and learn through first-hand experiences. Sessions provide opportunities for child-led learning alongside carefully planned activities which help pupils develop new knowledge and skills.
Children are encouraged to follow their interests, ask questions and become increasingly confident in making decisions for themselves.
Learning through nature
Our outdoor environment provides a rich setting in which children can observe the changing seasons, discover plants and wildlife and develop a greater understanding of the natural world.
Forest School can support learning across many areas of the curriculum. Children might use mathematics while measuring and building, develop their vocabulary through discussion and storytelling, explore scientific ideas through observing habitats and natural materials, or express their creativity through art and imaginative play.
Most importantly, children are given time and space to explore.
Building confidence and resilience
An important part of Forest School is giving children opportunities to challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
Children learn that things do not always work first time. A den might need rebuilding, an idea may need changing or a task might require several attempts. These experiences help children to persevere, solve problems and recognise the value of learning from mistakes.
Working outdoors can also encourage children who may be less confident in a traditional classroom environment to discover new strengths and experience success.
Working together
Many Forest School experiences involve cooperation and communication.
Children learn to listen to one another, share ideas, negotiate, take turns and work together towards a common goal. They are encouraged to help and support their classmates while recognising that everybody can contribute in different ways.
These experiences help children develop positive relationships and become respectful and responsible members of our school community.
Forest School activities
Every Forest School session is different and activities will vary according to the children’s age, interests, learning and the changing seasons.
Activities may include:
- exploring the natural environment
- identifying plants, trees and wildlife
- creating habitats for wildlife
- den building and shelter making
- natural arts and crafts
- collecting and using natural materials
- digging, planting and growing
- imaginative and creative play
- team challenges and problem-solving activities
- using appropriate tools under close supervision
- learning about fire safety and, where appropriate, supervised fire activities
- outdoor storytelling and games
- learning how to care for and protect our environment.
Alongside planned activities, children are given opportunities for their own ideas and interests to shape their learning.
Learning about risk
Forest School enables children to experience appropriate levels of challenge and learn how to recognise and manage risk.
Activities are carefully considered and supervised, but children are also encouraged to think about safety for themselves. They learn to assess situations, make sensible decisions and understand how their actions can affect themselves and others.
By gradually developing these skills, children become more confident, capable and independent.
Caring for our environment
Developing a connection with nature is at the heart of Forest School.
Children are encouraged to notice the wildlife and natural features around them and understand the importance of looking after our environment. Through regular outdoor experiences, pupils can see how the natural world changes throughout the year and begin to appreciate their own role in protecting it.
We want our children to leave Forest School with curiosity about the natural world and a desire to care for it.
Forest School in all weathers
Outdoor learning is about experiencing nature throughout the seasons, so Forest School can take place in a wide range of weather conditions.
Children should come prepared to get outdoors, explore and, occasionally, get muddy! Suitable clothing and footwear allow pupils to enjoy their Forest School experiences comfortably and safely.
Parents and carers will be provided with information about any clothing or equipment children need for their sessions.
The benefits of Forest School
Forest School provides opportunities for children to develop:
- confidence and self-esteem
- independence
- resilience and perseverance
- communication and teamwork
- creativity and imagination
- problem-solving skills
- physical skills and coordination
- an understanding of appropriate risk
- curiosity about the natural world
- respect for the environment.
Above all, we want Forest School to give children positive experiences of being outdoors and create memories of learning, exploring and discovering together.