Forest School
Forest School embraces the outdoors as an inspiring learning environment focusing upon the child’s learning needs rather than any specific outcome. It is a unique way of building confidence and self-esteem, learning new skills and promoting risk-awareness and independence through hands-on experiences. It allows children to explore and experience the natural world on a regular and sustained basis.
All our Forest School sessions are led by a qualified Forest School lead practitioner.
Forest School covers all aspects of children’s learning.
- Social development: problem-solving, communicating, sharing and team building
- Physical: fine and gross motor skills, movement
- Speaking and listening skills
- Healthy lifestyle: being outdoors and active
- Understanding the world: becoming aware of the world around us, and taking care of the environment
- Respect: children take ownership of their own area
Our Forest School sessions take place on an island on the duck pond, next to the school. It is a truly magical area, which has many well-established trees, together with some young trees recently planted. We are hoping these will grow and flourish as the children go through the School. Some of the areas have been left to grow wild and we have made and dispersed seed bombs to boost new growth and to encourage birds and insects to come to the area. We have made bird feeders, and there is also a lovely muddy patch!
Much of the learning in Forest School is initiated by the children themselves as they explore and discover. Our leader is trained to observe the children’s interests and plan activities to enhance their learning. Some of the planned activities your child may experience are:
- Using tools (whittling sticks, sawing wood)
- Cooking on a campfire
- Building shelters
- Natural artwork
- Exploring the environment