Welcome to Forest School! This is where the journey begins...and like any great story we enter slowly through the big silver gates and down into the deep, deep, deep Forest. We go quietly as we start to hear a noise... is it a bird, mouse or a fox? The wind whistles by and the adventure in the Forest begins. Forest School is the place where magic can start to happen as imaginations, self-confidence and vocabulary start to grow. Every visit to the Forest will be to the same place, yet the story will always change and be different. The amazing memories and adventures that take place in Forest School will always be enjoyed.

In Forest school all children are given the opportunity to access, experience and enjoy learning while working in the outside environment. We take the “classroom” outside and use the beautiful surroundings, weather and sounds to enhance their learning visually, orally and sensually.

This holistic approach encourages children’s imaginations, build’s self-esteem and creates the desire to understand, learn and respect the natural world around them. The children are in a safe environment where they can succeed, create and use Maths and Literacy skills without them even realising it!Through exploration and discovery the children are able to enjoy and self initiate their own learning.

In Forest School children are able to take calculated risks in a controlled environment. They learn cause and effect and what may or could happen. They are given the opportunity and responsibility under supervision, to use tools and help be part of a team.

Equality, achievement and self belief help children to return to the classroom feeling that they can accomplish and succeed in what they do. Every child is valued and their input is vital; we work as a team and they are able to respect and treat each other fairly and as equals.

Forest School Showcase

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a method of working outdoors with children, using the natural environment to promote social and emotional development. It is an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. These learning experiences also help to develop communication and practical skills, as well as a greater understanding of the environment.

How can Forest School help my child’s learning and development?

It is proven from research that learning that takes place in the outdoors is much more powerful and memorable as all the senses are involved. Forest School helps children develop through a child-led approach and teaches them how to assess risks for themselves.

Forest School Clothing

The children will be outside in varying weather and will need the appropriate clothing for the conditions and also possible changes of clothes. Forest School goes ahead in most weather so please ensure your child is dressed appropriately.

Please note:

- Nursery children will attend school in their forest school clothing and put on waterproofs.

- Reception children will come to school in their uniform, and bring their forest school clothes in a named bag to change into for their session.

For the cold weather...

• Hats and gloves

• Jumper/fleeces

• Long-sleeved top

• Long jogging bottoms/trousers

• Warm socks (and some spare socks)

• Wellington boots

• Waterproof coat

• Waterproof clothing (optional)

For the hot weather...

• Sun hat 
• Covered legs - long bottoms, leggings or trousers (no shorts)
• Covered arms - long-sleeved tops (no t-shirts or vest tops)
• Light-weight jacket
• Wellington boots

All outdoor clothing worn, including coats and footwear, must be clearly labelled with your child’s name and class. Due to the nature of these sessions, clothing will get wet and muddy. Therefore, it is important that you provide old clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or stained. 

We highly recommend that your child also wears waterproof clothing such as overalls or separate waterproof coat and trousers. As a school, we have a class set of waterproof coats and trousers for every child within Nursery and Reception to wear and use for their session. Alternatively, you can provide your own waterproofs but this is not compulsory. 

Keeping children safe is of utmost importance and even the weather has been risk assessed! The weather forecast will be checked and a site assessment will be carried out before each session. Forest School will not go ahead if the weather poses a risk, such as high winds, extreme temperatures and lightening storms.

Please take a look at our Forest School Curriculum Overview

Below is a link to the Forest School Policy & Risk Assessment. Please take a look