What is Forest School?

Forest school is outdoor based learning to enable children to create meaningful friendships and learn to respect their peers and adults. It provides opportunities for children to work in a team and develop their social and communication skills with one another. Children are free to express their emotions in a large outdoor space, we provide opportunities to share our thoughts and feelings and we connect with nature to give children a sense of calm and clarity. We provide create opportunities for the children to develop their art and drama skills, we develop physically through tool use, climbing and other elements of risky play. We teach children to cook and prepare food on an open fire. These activities also include teaching children about safely and how to manage risks.

 What do we learn?

At forest school we don’t only learn about the types of plants and wildlife but we protect it. Children learn how to manage their own basic needs and develop their personal, social and emotional needs. Children learn to work with others in a team and become part of a community. We also learn bush craft skills and we get chance to be creative in a natural environment.

Why take part in forest school?

The children’s needs come first and from this their own interests can then lead the learning. Children have behavioural, emotional, physical, mental and sensory needs which are just as important as their intellectual needs. From here we can learn all about the great outdoors!

What do I need?

Each child will need their own waterproof puddle suit, gloves, hats and wellies for the colder/wet weather to keep them warm and dry. We also ask on hotter days that the children bring hats and sun cream if needed. (Vinted is a great place to find waterproofs!)