Our aim is to provide children with opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on, child led learning experiences in a safe and secure natural environment. Through regular sessions in all seasons and weather conditions, children are encouraged to engage with activities that foster self-motivated, resilient, independent and creative learners who can make decisions, identify and manage risks as well as solve problems. Activities are planned and managed by our fully qualified Forest School Leader who continuously maintains and develops their professional practice. The adult role during sessions is to support and facilitate. The use of learner-led outcomes increases curiosity and motivation to learn. This motivation can have a positive impact on attitudes to learning across the whole curriculum.

Forest School offers children the opportunity to: 

• Make their own assessments of risk management
• Develop independent thinking, learning, speaking and problem-solving skills
• Build on their personal motivation and positive attitude to learning
• Understand, appreciate and care for their natural environment
• Develop and enhance all areas of learning
• Promote cooperative and group working
• Develop physical abilities and to stay active and healthy
• Foster care, appreciation and respect for wildlife and wild places
• Take care of themselves and others

Activities might include: Shelter building, bug hunting, studying the local wildlife, playing team and group games, sensory activities, art and sculpture work, rope and string work, reading stories and using drama, tool use and fire lighting.