What is it?
Forest Schools was originally developed from the Scandinavian education system and is about children building self-esteem and independence through exploring and experiencing the natural world.
Forest School sessions are tailored to meet the needs of individuals within that group and is continuously developed as the children grow in confidence, skills and understanding.
The ethos of Forest Schools allows learners the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences.
What do children do?
Activities range from team building activities and those that build self-esteem, to looking at the science of the wood, its history and future. The children will also have both Literacy, Numeracy and other curriculum areas (such as science, history, art, design and technology and geography) covered in Forest School sessions.
The children will be closely supervised to ensure their safety, to observe and encourage their personal development and to support their learning.
What does my child gain from the experience?
Forest Schools supports the holistic development of the child:
- Health and fitness – Being active in an outdoor, natural environment.
- Increased emotional wellbeing • Social development – Communicating, and
negotiating with peers and adults to solve problems and share experiences.
- Skills development – Developing fine and gross motor skills and coordination
for real purposes.
- Gaining knowledge and understanding – Multi–sensory, real-life learning.
- Individualised learning – Careful observation allows adults to tailor support to children’s own interests and stage of development.
- Curriculum Links – Forest Schools supports many areas of the Early Years
- Foundation Stage framework, National Curriculum and the Every Child Matters agenda.
- Gives pupils a sense of awe and wonder of Gods natural world. Pupils have the opportunity to reflect spiritually.
- Please see below pictures of our Forest School:
Please see below our new Fire Square area in our Forest School-
Please see below our new mud kitchen area in our Forest School-
