Forest School

Forest School provides opportunities to explore and experience the natural world through practical pursuits, planned activities and unplanned self-guided play.

The use of natural resources stimulates the imagination and provides opportunities for creativity and investigation. Attendees engage in motivating and challenging practical tasks throughout the year, in almost all weathers. They work with tools, play, take risks, and participate in group activities whilst developing an understanding and respect for nature.

Forest School has been shown to foster resilience, confidence in own abilities, self-esteem, social and communication skills, and independence.

Forest School encourages children to:

• explore nature using all their senses
• develop physical skills
• use tools safely for creative or practical purposes
• evaluate and take risks in a managed environment
• develop language, communication and social skills
• overcome challenges and develop problem solving skills
• make decisions on their own learning experiences
• experience success and learn how to manage failure
• reflect on their own experiences and achievements
• time and space to follow and develop their own interests
• develop motivation and concentration