Forest School
Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.
We have seen huge benefits of Forest School specially towards the mental well being and behaviour of our young children.
We would be visiting open areas and nature reserves on bus where possible. The children are able to do the forest school sessions outdoors in all weather, all through the year.
The Forest School sessions will include natural play, the opportunity to explore the woodland, using the mud kitchen, group discussions, activities such as scavenger hunts, mini beast hunts and identification as well as natural arts and crafts, and use of proper tools.
We also integrate vegetable gardening and planting seasonal flowers/bulbs as part of our outdoor curriculum.
“Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take the walls away” ~ Erin K. Kenny
Activities
Originally a Scandinavian idea, Forest School was brought to the UK in the early 1990s. Forest School is an exciting opportunity for your child to learn and experience nature in an outdoor environment.
At Forest School, children are not taught but are encouraged to find things out for themselves by self-learning, through play.
Children make the most of what is around them, by using their imagination and initiative they set their own challenges, assess their own risks, take responsibility for their actions and learn to work with their peers as a team. Nature can help them make their own adventures and learn from them.
In this world full of technology where many children have few opportunities to play outside, Forest School offers your child the opportunity to play, learn and experience the best classroom around, the outdoors, and all it has to offer.
Will my child be safe?
The Forest School sessions are led by qualified nursery leaders with required First Aid qualification and DBS checked. Sessions are supported by the nursery practitioners.
The site is risk assessed and checked before every session. All activities are risk assessed and the children are given detailed instructions before starting the activity.
Part of Forest School is teaching children about risks and how to evaluate them. They will be taking part in activities such as tree climbing, mini beast hunts, learning how to use tools and having a campfire. Children are encouraged to try things and learn from experience, building their confidence and self-esteem. Allowing the children to take these measured risks helps to teach them to be responsible for their own choices and actions.
Why is Forest School good for my child?
- Being outdoors will benefit your child’s development, physically, mentally and socially.
- Increased movement such as lifting and climbing helps to reduce obesity and in turn will help with fine motor skills such as writing.
- Through play your child will develop their imagination and initiative, increase communication and team skills and have fun.
- Simple tasks and activities allows everyone to take part and achieve.
- Forest school supports the whole of the EYFS building resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
What should they wear?
As we are outside no matter the weather, waterproofs are a must.
A long sleeved top and trousers or jogging bottoms will need to be worn. This will help to protect against scratches and stings.
A pair of wellies will also be required.
In the winter hats and gloves will be needed. A spare pair of socks and trousers are advisable in case they get wet.
In the summer a sunhat and sun-cream will be needed. Trainers or wellies and a lightweight long sleeved top and trousers or jogging bottoms will still be required.
“There is no such thing as bad weather only inappropriate clothing.”
