Forest school

What is Forest School?

Forest School has developed from the Scandinavian education system and is about children and young people building self esteem and independence through exploring and experiencing the natural world. It is a programme delivered by trained practitioners. Each Forest School Programme is designed to suit the needs of the individuals within the group and is adapted as children grow in confidence, skills and understanding. 

What is it for?

We all know children love playing outdoors in natural spaces. The ethos of Forest School allows children the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands on experience.  It also allows practitioners to step back and observe the children in order to know how to support and inspire them to learn further. It is also lots of fun. 

Where is our Forest School?

Our Forest School is on a shared site with Christchurch Primary School and situated at the far end of the field. 

What will the children wear?

We provide all children with waterproof trousers and jackets for use in Forest School sessions. We ask parents to provide wellies, and appropriate hats, gloves and scarves according to the weather.  Remember the sun hats for hotter days.  If it is very warm, children should wear long sleeved tops and leggings/trousers to protect them from the sun, and possible insect bites or thorns.

What do the children do?

The Forest School routine includes dressing in outdoor clothes as above, taking part in activities and enjoying a snack over there.

Forest School operates in all weathers and activities include a circle time at 'base camp', tree climbing, mud pie making, bug spotting, sand and water play, hide and seek and role play.

Trained Forest School leaders (Louise in Fir, Joe in Palm, Rebecca in Magnolia  and Laura in Olive) ensure that the children have a high quality learning experience and one of them will always be present when your child visits.

What are the rules?

These are simple - children are not to cross the blue rope boundary line and are also trained not to pick anything that is growing. They are reminded not to put their hands/fingers in their mouths to protect themselves.

When will my child get a turn?

We aim to enable all children in their last year at nursery to have a series of weeks visiting forest school and if possible we will extend this to our younger children.