Originally a Scandinavian idea, forest schools operate on the principle that children of all ages can benefit greatly from the hands on learning opportunities inherently present in a woodland environment. In an age when many children have few opportunities to be outdoors, it offers them a way to learn and experience a broad curriculum in a wood-land setting, with regular visits throughout the year.

“The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky.”
Margaret McMillan

The importance of Outdoor learning…

Daily access to the outdoors when in an Early Years setting is a statutory requirement for all children. But it is not just essential for children in the Early Years it is essential for ALL children and adults.

Outdoor learning/play is a critical component of good provision and must be encouraged. It is essential for the healthy development of all young children.

Learning outside offers opportunities to build on and extend, skills taught and acquired inside. It also offers the chance to take on new challenges and risks and to investigate in a different way. The physical freedom of learning outside through climbing, exploring, running, jumping and balancing supports development of the young child’s body towards the finer movements that will be required for such skills as writing.

Experiencing the weather, searching for insects, climbing a tree or working on a large scale is learning

Forest School is an inspirational process that involves:

• child initiated learning;
• being outdoors;
• integration with the National Curriculum;
• Time for children to explore, learn and investigate;
• Fun, imagination and creativity;
• Using only the natural resources around us

Forest School helps to develop:

• confidence and self esteem;
• communication and social skills;
• physical skills;
• greater understanding and
• awareness of the natural
• environment;
• natural motivation and a positive attitude to learning;
• Creativity and imagination;
• Team skills;
• the ability to recognise and manage risk; and
• healthier lifestyles

The children receive regular forest school sessions run by qualified practitioners as part of the planned curriculum.

Why is Forest School such a great opportunity for your children?

1. It is proven from research that learning that takes place in the outdoors is much more powerful and memorable as all the senses are involved.

2. Forest Schools develop children through a child led approach.

3. Children are taught how to assess risks for themselves.

4. Children are able to develop their speech, language, social skills and empathy.

5.They learn to respect and appreciate the countryside.

What will happen during a Forest School session?

The sessions will be run at our Forest School site within the school grounds.

The sessions will be run by Mrs Tucker or Mrs Suska (qualified Forest School Leaders) and a supporting member of staff.

The Forest School sessions will follow a routine that the children will soon become familiar with, including a group discussion, activity and explore in the woodland, hot chocolate and a final get together for reflection time before home time.

What to wear?

Boots –Walking boots or Wellington boots. Plastic wellies and several pairs of socks are a good idea if the weather is cold.

Long trousers – both in Summer and Winter, to keep warm and to protect from scratches, bites and sunburn.

Long sleeved top – both in Summer and Winter, to keep warm and to protect from scratches, bites and sunburn.

Layers of clothing appropriate to the temperature and the season – in Winter the children will need at least three layers to keep warm. Example: long johns, trousers and the waterproof dungarees work well for their bottom half, and for the top half, a base layer, fleece, long sleeved top and waterproof jacket is a good mix. It is best to avoid cotton next to the skin as it absorbs water rather than wicking it away from the skin.

Hat (for sun or warmth depending on the season) and waterproof gloves.
These should be old clothes or clothes that parents/guardians do not mind getting dirty. They will get dirty.

Waterproofs: A waterproof coat and trousers would be brilliant, we do have some spares if forgotten or if you don’t have some.