Forest School

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At our school, we believe that some of the most powerful learning happens outdoors. Our Forest School programme provides every child from Reception to Year 6 with regular opportunities to explore, discover, create and learn within a natural environment.

Led by our qualified Forest School Leaders, Mrs Elliot (EYFS and KS1) and Mrs Bradley (KS2), pupils take part in fortnightly sessions that encourage curiosity, independence, resilience and a lifelong connection with nature.

Why Forest School?

Forest School is a child-centred approach to learning that nurtures the whole child. Through hands-on experiences, children are encouraged to take managed risks, solve problems, work collaboratively and develop confidence in their own abilities.

Our sessions provide opportunities for children to:

• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Develop resilience and perseverance
• Improve communication and teamwork skills
• Enhance emotional wellbeing
• Learn practical outdoor and bushcraft skills
• Develop a sense of responsibility for the natural world

Supporting Every Child

Forest School provides an inclusive environment where all children can succeed. Throughout the year, pupils with a wide range of needs have flourished through outdoor learning experiences, including those requiring additional support with:

• Social and emotional wellbeing
• Behaviour regulation
• Communication and interaction
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Physical development

Children who may find traditional classroom learning challenging often thrive in the Forest School environment, where success can be achieved in many different ways.

Developing Skills for Life

Through carefully planned and child-led activities, pupils develop a wide range of practical, physical and personal skills.

Practical Skills

Children have learned:

• Safe tool use
• Knot tying and rope work
• Shelter building
• Fire-lighting techniques
• Natural arts and crafts
• Species identification and environmental awareness

Physical Skills

Pupils have developed:

• Fine motor skills through crafting and tool use
• Gross motor skills through climbing, balancing and active exploration
• Improved coordination and spatial awareness

Personal and Social Skills

Children have demonstrated:

• Increased independence
• Stronger teamwork and collaboration
• Improved communication skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Leadership and decision-making skills

Positive Impact on Wellbeing

Forest School has had a significant impact on pupils’ wellbeing. Regular reflection activities encourage children to recognise their achievements, celebrate personal successes and set goals for future learning.

Staff observations have shown improvements in:

• Confidence and resilience
• Emotional regulation
• Concentration and focus
• Listening skills
• Perseverance during challenges
• Positive relationships with peers

Many pupils describe Forest School as a place where they feel calm, safe, happy and successful.

What Our Community Says

Parents

“My child is much more confident and willing to try new things.”

“Forest School has helped my child become calmer and more resilient.”

“They talk about their Forest School experiences every week.”

Teachers

“The confidence pupils gain outdoors is reflected in their classroom learning.”

“Children who struggle in traditional lessons often thrive during Forest School sessions.”

“Teamwork and communication skills have noticeably improved.”

Pupils

“I like Forest School because I can solve problems on my own.”

“It makes me feel happy and relaxed.”

“I feel like I can be myself outside in Forest School.”

“I was scared at first because I didn’t know what to expect, but now it’s my favourite thing to do at school.”

Caring for Our Environment

Forest School helps children develop a deep understanding of the natural world and their role in protecting it. This year our pupils have:

• Created habitats for wildlife
• Planted more than 60 hedge and tree saplings
• Learned about local ecosystems
• Taken part in conservation projects
• Developed an understanding of sustainability and environmental stewardship

These experiences help nurture environmentally aware citizens who value and care for the world around them.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly proud of the positive impact Forest School is having on our children. Next year we are excited to build on this success by:

• Expanding wellbeing interventions
• Developing pupil leadership opportunities
• Enhancing conservation projects
• Creating a wildlife pond
• Supporting children to design and build their own Forest School projects
• Further developing progression in Forest School skills across the school

Through Forest School, our children are becoming confident, resilient, creative and environmentally conscious learners, developing skills and memories that will stay with them long after they leave our school. 🌿🍂🔥