What is Forest Schools?
‘An inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a local woodland environment.’ (FSA website)
Why is Forest School a great opportunity for your children?
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. It assists:
- Social development – communicating, sharing, negotiating and problem solving
- Emotional wellbeing – sense of achievement
- Gaining Knowledge and understanding – multi sensory and real life learning
- Building confidence and resilience
- Skills development
- Children are taught how to risk assess for themselves
- Individualised learning with adult observation
About each session
Children will spend an afternoon in the Forest area every other week. The session will always start with an opening discussion in base camp. Then the activities available are explained and any safety training given to them. Children choose what they would like to do and the session closes back at base camp with a reflection, drink and snack
What will they do there?
Children will gradually build up to different activities as trust is gained. These may include:
- Exploring, nature watching and bug hunting
- Using tools under supervision
- Shelter building
- Time to be quiet, reflect or talk
- Fire lighting
How children are kept safe
The Forest School leader is trained in first aid and has a mobile phone. In the event of a more serious incident the school accident and emergency procedures will be followed and parents contacted. The children are shown the boundaries of the outdoor learning space and give detailed training on all activities with a high ratio for tool work
Where will Forest School be taking place?
The area that we use for Forest School is the wooded area next to the MUGA on the school field where the path goes to the old school and the school field.
