Forest School

At our Forest School, children are given the freedom to explore, discover, and learn in the natural world. Rooted in curiosity and play, our sessions nurture confidence, resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills while enjoying hands-on experiences encouraging a deep connection in nature. From building dens and exploring wildlife to storytelling around a campfire, every experience is carefully guided by trained practitioners to spark imagination and develop essential life skills. Each activity is designed to spark curiosity and nurture resilience. Forest School offers children the chance to take supported risks, problem-solve, and grow their independence, all while enjoying the wonder and developing a lifelong love of the outdoors
                                           “Where muddy hands make happy hearts.”

 After the success of the last academic year, Autumn 2026 sees the start of our second year of Forest School provision. Our Reception cohort will begin their sessions this half-term followed closely by our Nursery pupils who will start their sessions after the half-term break. Returning pupils will be familiar with the routines and rules of Forest School and will have the opportunity to revisit activities and enhance their experiences. Pupils new to our school, will experience the wonders of the Forest School learning opportunities, learning new rules, routines and behaviour expectations.

The six core principles of Forest School in the UK are:

1.      Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits. The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.

2.      Forest School takes place in a natural or woodland environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.

3.      Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

4.      Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

5.      Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

6.      Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.

These principles help shape the ethos and practices of Forest Schools, distinguishing them 
from other forms of outdoor learning.

 

Some feedback from what the children have enjoyed

“Finding a snail and it coming out to say hello”.

“Finding some bugs”.

“Playing with bubbles”.

“Drinking hot chocolate”.

Some of the things they would like to do at Forest School

“Find a hedgehog”.

“Cook some fondue”.

“Learn about fire”

“Play in the snow”.