What Is 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.”
(Forest School Association 2011)
Where Does It Come From?
Forest School was developed in Scandinavia and was introduced to the UK in 1993. Areas of woodland, meadow or school grounds are used to take learning out of the classroom and into a natural environment.
Our Ethos
The aim of Forest School is to support the curriculum through placing emphasis on the ‘whole’ child and learning through play. Studies have proved Forest School has a huge impact on the holistic development of children. Through exploring the natural world, making decisions, physical activity and team work, children can improve communication skills, build confidence and feel proud of their achievements.
Our Forest School Area
We will be using our large woodland situated within the school grounds, as well as our sensory garden, vegetable beds and shrub borders along the length of the playing fields. Within the forest we have a log circle and fire pit area which is our base camp where we have discussions and reflect on the day’s activities whilst drinking hot chocolate and having a snack.
Activities
We offer a wide variety of activities such as:
Clothing in Winter/Summer
Forest School will run throughout the year in all weather conditions except high winds and thunderstorms. Correct clothing is essential and all items should be named. Items required are:
We ask children to bring their Forest School clothes in a named carrier bag to change into later in the day.
Staffing
There will be five members of staff at each Forest School session and the ratio of staff to pupils will be 1 adult per 6 children. Our Forest School teachers and helpers will include:
“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.”
(Forest School Association 2011)
Where Does It Come From?
Forest School was developed in Scandinavia and was introduced to the UK in 1993. Areas of woodland, meadow or school grounds are used to take learning out of the classroom and into a natural environment.
Our Ethos
The aim of Forest School is to support the curriculum through placing emphasis on the ‘whole’ child and learning through play. Studies have proved Forest School has a huge impact on the holistic development of children. Through exploring the natural world, making decisions, physical activity and team work, children can improve communication skills, build confidence and feel proud of their achievements.
Our Forest School Area
We will be using our large woodland situated within the school grounds, as well as our sensory garden, vegetable beds and shrub borders along the length of the playing fields. Within the forest we have a log circle and fire pit area which is our base camp where we have discussions and reflect on the day’s activities whilst drinking hot chocolate and having a snack.
Activities
We offer a wide variety of activities such as:
- ‘1,2,3 Where Are You?’ game (hide and seek)
- Observing seasonal changes, looking at colours and textures
- Mini-beast hunt, learning about animal habitats
- Making nature crowns, art activity
- Den building, physical activity and team work
- Fire use, cooking, socialising and learning about fire safety, learning new skills
- Using tools, being creative, learning new skills
Clothing in Winter/Summer
Forest School will run throughout the year in all weather conditions except high winds and thunderstorms. Correct clothing is essential and all items should be named. Items required are:
- wellies and thick socks
- waterproof trousers and coat
- warm jogging pants or leggings and a jumper
- hat, scarf and gloves
- sun hat and sun cream [only required in hot weather]
We ask children to bring their Forest School clothes in a named carrier bag to change into later in the day.
Staffing
There will be five members of staff at each Forest School session and the ratio of staff to pupils will be 1 adult per 6 children. Our Forest School teachers and helpers will include:
- Forest School Leader: Mrs Currid (TA)
- Class teachers
- Teaching Assistants
- Other adult helpers in school