Forest School

Forest School is a fantastic opportunity for the children to learn outdoors. It helps build children’s independence, confidence and self-esteem and develops a positive attitude towards learning. Children love exploring and experiencing the natural world for themselves and because Forest School learning is child-directed, the scope of activities is enormous.

Typical activities include:

• Shelter building
• Fire building and lighting
• Puddle and mud jumping
• Campfire cooking
• Tree climbing
• Woodwork
• Nature art
• Foraging
• Mini beast hunts
• Sensory walks
• Games such as hide and seek

There are enormous benefits to the children’s learning and development through Forest School including:

• Physical health
• Social skills
• Team-building skills
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Motivation and concentration
• Improved behaviour
• Risk awareness and self-management
• Increased knowledge and understanding of the world 
• Improved connection with and respect for their environment 

Forest School learning will take place in the afternoon. During their sessions, children will need to wear a hat, waterproof gloves, a waterproof jacket and trousers, or an all-in-one suit, waterproof boots or wellies. They will also need lots of warm layers for winter plus spare socks. They will be outside in all weathers, although we do have the luxury of the wonderful shelter provided by the PTFA.