forest school
The Forest schools concept originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s. It is an inspirational process that encourages learners to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences in a woodland, forest or natural environment. This learning environment helps children to explore the natural world by doing, developing their natural skills in problem-solving, social interaction, risk-taking in a safe environment, thinking and general wellbeing to last them a lifetime.
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Research in the early year’s sector shows the positive impact that these types of schools have on young children’s development. Our Forest school activities are led by a Forest School Qualified Teacher with several years’ experience working with children
Forest school takes place in the wildlife garden, where we enjoy the natural environment surrounded by trees, mud kitchen etc -in all weathers.
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Benefits of Forest School
Forest School stimulates a child’s self-confidence and independence through hands-on, outdoor learning. It is a place to learn about problem-solving, social skills, assessing risk in a safe environment.
NHS guidelines suggest that children under the age of 5 need 3 hours of exercise per day; to include a combination of cardiovascular, bone strengthening, and muscle building exercises. Our Forest School environment provide the kids with this safe exercise environment.
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Exploring the natural
environement
Forest School Activities
Learning about trees,
plants and creepy-crawlies
Learning about insects and animals through investigation
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Learning to use garden
tools safely
Working with other children to learn about teamwork, social and problem-solving skills
Getting messy and creative in a safe, supervised environment.
Planting and
cultivating crops
Learning about boundaries and risk assessment in a safe environment
Learning about the environment and how our actions impact upon it
The sessions are supervised and staffed on a 1 adult to 4 children ratio, and run by qualified Forest School leaders, alongside staff from the nursery.
Also, a paediatric first aider is always present!
