The Aim of Forest Schools

It's such fun.

The aim of the Forest Schools Initiative is to give all pupils the chance to explore and experience the natural world through practical activities using the outdoors to promote confidence, independence and self-esteem. Using the varied natural resources in the woodland and the children’s interests to stimulate imaginative, creative and investigative activities. The children age 3-5 years visit the woodland regularly throughout the year in all weathers!

Benefits of Forest School

Up to our armpits in leaves.

Evaluations from recent sessions have shown that children grow in confidence and self esteem, and increase their physical and social skills. These benefits have positive effects on all areas of the child's life and learning.

The daily routine

Before departing from the Pre-Prep the pupils gather to put on wellies and waterproofs before setting off through the gate and up’ the chimney’. Stopping here and there to share new discoveries- spring flowers in bloom, new sounds and inevitably to squelch in every puddle or patches of mud they can find!

The children have the freedom to explore and enjoy the space; they don’t hold hands and work in pairs. With time their independence and self-confidence has grown. They know they are safe.

Everything is taken step by step and introduced gradually. They are shown simple things like how to carry a big stick safely by dragging it. They are taught about any dangers. Early on they play a game of hide and seek. The child hides and the adult calls out, ‘One, two, three, where are you?’ The child calls back ‘I’m here!’ it’s fun but there is a serious purpose, too – if a child is lost, rather than the adults shouting, they can call out in a singing voice and the child should respond. In this way, no one is made to feel unnecessarily anxious.

Each session has a structure, a familiar routine which children know and enjoy. The focal point of the forest school is the campfire; large logs surround this. The children sit on the logs for a drink and biscuit, taking care to step over them from the back rather than walking next to the fire.

Can you see who is in the shelter?

Using the out door environment, children are encouraged and inspired to grow in confidence, independence and self esteem through small achievable tasks. As the children gain confidence the challenges become more complex. Above all the child is never set up to fail, each task is achievable.

Learning different skills is not the main purpose of Forest School. Their value lies in giving children the experience to enable them to become confident independent individuals. It gives the children the freedom to take risks and explore their environment.