What is Forest School?

Forest school is a unique process which provides opportunity for children to develop their self-esteem and confidence. The main focus of Forest School is to use the outdoor environment as a classroom, providing activities that will stimulate children’s natural curiosity.
Forest School takes place in a woodland environment and focuses on hands on learning experiences. Forest School allows children the freedom to explore the outdoors and to learn in a new exciting way. The philosophy of Forest School is to offer children the chance to grow as an individual through achievable tasks and to develop their sense of well-being. It shows them how to be resourceful and to make use of the world around them.

Forest School relies on three main principles:-

• To take place in a woodland setting
• Have a trained leader
• And a programme of study
 

Woodland Setting
Our Forest School sessions will take place HERE!! An area with 1 or more trees can be considered a woodland, therefore we will use our special garden. Our special garden is a cornered section of our nursery garden which we have allowed to overgrow making it different to the other areas of the garden.

Trained Leaders
 Jodie, Katie, Laura, Susanna and Yvette have been fully trained in Forest School teaching and have been trained in the safety of children in the outdoors, fire safety and the use of tools which will be used during Forest School sessions.

A Programme of Study
A selection of outdoor tasks are planned and carried out during Forest School. These tasks are very flexible and can change in accordance to the children’s interests, weather and seasonal changes. Children will be working individually, in pairs, groups and having one on one time with adults. They have the opportunity to be very creative using natural resources and also use tools to maintain the woodland setting and to make equipment using wood. They will also learn about fires, their uses and fire safety.