Forest School

What are Forest Schools?

Forest Schools originated in Denmark in the 1950’s as a way of teaching children about the environment through songs, stories and practical hands-on experience. At Forest School, children learn practical and social skills and are taught to understand health and safety issues. We believe this is a fantastic opportunity for children to achieve and develop self-esteem and confidence through the unique combination of play, environmental education and outdoor learning.

Why develop a Forest School?

To enable children to embrace the learning opportunities of the natural world and through positive learning and achievable tasks, allow the children to develop self-confidence and self-esteem. Forest School is child initiated, so the children can develop their learning at their own pace.

Activities include shelter building, potion making, identifying trees, birds, flora and fauna, getting muddy, learning how to make a fire, cooking marshmallows and using tools. Sessions will have an element of risk but will be carried out by a practitioner that will assess and overcome limits and risks with children, each session is made age appropriate.

What to wear?

We go out into the Forest whatever the weather (except for high winds, storms). Your child will need to bring to school, on their Forest School Day, warm clothes which they can get dirty, a waterproof jacket, long waterproof trousers (we have some spares in school) and wellington boots. Don’t forget hats and gloves on cold days too! Please label clothes clearly with a spare bag to put them in after.

Forest School Timetable 2022-2023