Forest School
We are extremely pleased that we can offer the 'Forest School' experience to all of our children in Nursery and Reception.
Mrs Smart, is a fully trained Forest School Leader who makes full use of our extensive woodland planning fun and worthwhile activities in the outdoors.
As well as building confidence and opportunities to work as a team, the experience fosters a love of and an appreciation of the world around us.
The Forest School Ethos
Forest School is a unique educational experience and process that offers children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment. Children engage in motivating and achievable tasks and activities throughout the year and in almost all weathers, with the appropriate footwear and clothing. Children will work with tools, play, learn and begin to understand the boundaries of behaviour, both physical and social. They will grow in confidence, self- esteem and motivation whilst developing an understanding of the natural world.
The Forest School concept originates in Denmark, originally aimed at pre- school children, where it was found that children who had attended forest school then arrived at school with strong social and communication skills, having the ability to work in groups effectively, generally had high self-esteem and a confidence in their own abilities. These foundations helped them to raise their academic achievements.
A Forest School encourages children to:
- develop personal and social skills
- work through practical problems and challenges
- use tools to create, build or manage
- discover how they learn best
- pursue knowledge that interests them
- learn how to manage failures
- build confidence in decision making and evaluating risk
- develop practical skills
- understand the benefits of a balanced and healthy lifestyle
- explore connections between humans, wildlife and the earth
- regularly experience achievement and success
- reflect on learning and experiences
- develop their language and communication skills
- improve physical motor skills
- become more motivated
Spring 2024
Winter 2023/24
September 2023
Mrs Smart is our Forest Leader and she has made some fantastic changes to the area. We know that the children will enjoy it and have fun learning about nature and the environment.
