What is a Forest School?

A Forest School is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning, 

a classroom without walls.

The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. Children will be encouraged to discover, explore, observe and question what they find in the woods. Sessions are child led, but may have a theme which can be linked to the National Curriculum.

Forest Schools will aim to develop:

• Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation
• Empathy with others
• Good social communication skills
• Independence skills
• A positive mental attitude
• Establish and grow in self confidence
• Learn boundaries of behaviour
• Intrinsic motivation
• An opportunity for each child to reach their full potential

What we do at Forest School

… play, make and build dens, slide down a mud slide, explore tracks, lay trails, cook marshmallows on a fire, create art, climb, pond dipping, wading through the stream, develop an understanding of the properties of earth, wood, clay, water and stone, find wildlife, understand eco-systems, explore with their senses, use simple hand tools to make wooden objects, join in games, share hot chocolate, biscuits, fruit, stories and songs, spend time with friends, peers and adults, ………………….. in all weathers and in all seasons.

The only weather types which would lead to the cancellation of a session would be high winds and electrical storms.

“There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”