What is a Forest School?
The development of Forest Schools began in Britain around the mid 1990’s after students, from a college in Somerset, observed children in Denmark exploring and learning about the natural world. Children were observed cooking on open fires and using tools. The sessions are always child led which enables them to build confidence and independence whilst developing their trust in others.
What happens in Forest School?
A qualified Forest School Leader, together with support staff, work with small groups of children in activities directed by their interests. In regular sessions, over a number of weeks, children take ownership of a small area of woodland for their Forest School adventure. They will have the opportunity to learn about their natural surroundings which gives them the time to develop:
- social skills
- physical skills
- intellectual skills
- communication skills
- emotional and spiritual awareness
Early sessions use games, rhymes and repetition to encourage safety and responsible behaviour in the outdoor environment. This builds a sense of security within which the children can gain confidence to explore and interact with the woodland.
Activities during the time outside will include:
- den building
- climbing
- making their own art creations
- identifying wildlife
- woodland tool expertise
- i.e. whittling and sawing
- safe and controlled fire making for keeping warm and cooking
How will my child be kept safe?
There will only ever be 8 children out in the woods at one time. They will be accompanied by 3 adults. Part of the experience is supporting children to learn about risks and how we manage them. Clear rules and expectations will be shared with the children at the beginning of each session. The woodland site, which is adjacent to the nursery, and all activities are risk assessed on a daily basis.
How long will the sessions last?
The sessions will last between 2 and 3 hours depending on the weather.
What will my child need to wear?
Your child will get dirty during these sessions so it is very important they wear appropriate clothing. A change of clothing would be advisable as you just never know how messy we might get. Remember that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.
Cold / wet weather:
- waterproof jacket and trousers or a waterproof all in one
- hat
- gloves
- warm clothing
- wellies are essential
Warm dry weather:
- light weight long sleeved tops and long trousers
- sun hat
- sun cream
- good sturdy shoes or wellies
Useful links and resources
Useful websites
https://forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/
https://muddyfaces.co.uk/outdoor-hub/forest-school/activities
https://www.earlylearninghq.org.uk/earlylearninghq-blog/outdoor-learning-forest-school-approach/
https://childrensforest.earth/resources/
Useful books
The Children’s Forest (Dawn Casey, Anna Richardson & Helen d’Ascoli)
The Stick Book (Jo Schofield & Fiona Danks)
Bringing the Forest School Approach to your Early Years Practice (Karen Constable)
Developing a Forest School in Early Years Provision (Jenny Doyle & Katherine Milchem)
Our EYFS PEP Officer is a trained Forest School Leader. You can contact her for any further information emma.griffith@wokingham.gov.uk
Emma has also produced a useful handbook with more information which you can access on the link below:
