Forest School

What is Forest School?

The Forest School curriculum is values-led enabling the demonstration of Ready, Respectful and Responsible and focuses on building our 4 learning behaviours - Resilience, Reciprocity, Reflectiveness and Resourcefulness through regular outdoor sessions.
The curriculum supports the development of metacognitive strategies to embed and extend learning through independent choice.

Why do we provide a Forest School?

By setting their own objectives, with support and guidance all children are able to achieve. They are able to Question, Challenge and Explore. Their confidence and self-esteem are boosted and this in turn supports their mental health and well-being.

Children are fully immersed, experiencing their learning in real-life and fostering a connection with the natural world. Children are required to problem-solve, develop their fine and gross motor skills as well as communicate, collaborate and empathise. They are provided with opportunities to be creative and imaginative.
All of these skills and behaviours are transferable to the classroom and are essential to life outside Forest School. Children develop their understanding of the world and their place in it.

How do children learn in Forest School?

Through the guiding principles of Forest School, we support the development of skills, metacognitive strategies and positive learning behaviours by providing learning opportunities rather than removing them. Children are encouraged to try for themselves and are supported to communicate requests for help or guidance in meaningful sentences.
Children can move around, make a noise, get their hands dirty and experience manageable risks. Children are supported to develop a clear purpose to their learning and to explain what they are doing and how they can build on that.
Children can learn at their own pace and develop important life skills. Through targeted observation, discussion and participation, staff are able assess, react and appropriately support learning and progression.

Forest School Kit

Forest School takes place in all weathers (with the exception of very strong wind and electrical storms) and for extensive periods of time. It is important that all participants; adults and children, are appropriately dressed for their safety and comfort. Wearing a Forest School kit also supports the children to demonstrate our three school values - Ready, Respect and Responsible. Arms and legs should be covered to protect skin from scratches, insect bites and the sun.

It is important to remember that our weather is highly changeable and layers are a sensible option to avoid being caught out. It is highly likely that the clothes will get muddy and will be well worn so old clothes are the best.

Cold Weather Kit

Waterproof coat
Waterproof trousers or an all-in-one

Wellington boots or sturdy outdoor boots
Thick socks (and a spare pair or two)
Leggings and/or joggers
Long sleeve top
Sweatshirt

Hat
Gloves
Additional layers of the above if pupil feels the cold

Warm Weather Kit

Lightweight waterproof coat

Lightweight waterproof trousers
Wellington boots or sturdy outdoor boots
Lightweight long sleeve top
Sun Hat
Sun Cream

In warm weather participants will still need to wear long sleeves and trousers but these garments should be lightweight
When rain is extremely unlikely waterproof trousers can be replaced with leggings or thin joggers and the waterproof coat will not be required

In order to demonstrate the school value of respect it is not acceptable to wear school uniform as an outer layer. Participants may wish to keep their jumpers and trousers on under their kit as additional layers for warmth but ties must be removed and long hair tied up.

We welcome donations of useable, outgrown Wellington boots and waterproofs.