What is Forest School?

A Forest School is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills. These, through self-awareness can be developed to reach personal potential.

What happens at Forest School?

Pre school children will take part in a programme of sessions running once a week. Sessions are theme led but are flexible to accommodate child led learning. Qualified forest school level 3 practitioners work with children on an individual, small group or whole group level. This ensures a nurturing environment
where children can learn at their own pace, as a result
their skills and confidence accumulate over time.
Children are encouraged to take care of themselves
and their peers, and are given responsibility, such as
supervised us of tools and possibly fire lighting.
We go out in all weathers making sure that children are
suitably dressed and that conditions are safe. All activities
are thoroughly risk assessed, staff encourage safe risk taking.

Benefits for your children

• Increased confidence and self esteem
• Group cohesion and a sense of community
• Understanding own and others needs, developing empathy
• Lots of new skills
• Understanding of healthy choices
• Heightened self awareness and behaviour modification
• Understanding risk and how to stay safe
• Knowledge of the natural environment
• Loads of fun

Exploring the natural environment to promote
confidence and self esteem