WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

The philosophy of Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills. These, through self-awareness can be developed to reach personal potential.

WHAT DO WE GET UP TO?

Children take part in a programme of sessions running once a week. Organised under themes, the sessions are flexible to accommodate child-led learning.

Qualified Forest School level 3 practitioners work with children on an individual, small group or whole group level. This ensures a nurturing environment where children can learn at their own pace, as a result their skills and confidence build over time.

Children are encouraged to take care of themselves and their peers, and are given responsibility, such as supervised use of tools and possibly fire lighting.

We go out in all weathers making sure that children are suitably dressed and that conditions are safe. All activities are thoroughly risk assessed and staff encourage the children to take small risks themselves. This is an important part of character and confidence building.