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Forest School

“Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.”

Forest School Association 

Intent

We want every child to develop a strong connection with nature and become confident, curious and resilient learners. Forest School provides rich, first-hand learning experiences that broaden children's cultural capital and provide meaningful enrichment opportunities while supporting their personal development, wellbeing and understanding of the natural world.

Through regular exploration, supported risk-taking and practical outdoor experiences, children develop independence, problem-solving skills, resilience and positive relationships.

Our inclusive approach ensures that all children feel a sense of belonging, can access meaningful experiences beyond the classroom and gain the confidence, knowledge and skills to embrace new challenges, care for the environment and thrive both in school and in the wider world.

Implementation

Our two qualified Level 3 Forest School Leaders deliver regular, hands-on sessions within our extensive outdoor spaces, including our beautiful and well-established Forest School environment.

The school grounds provide a rich and varied natural setting where children can explore woodland areas, investigate habitats, develop practical skills and experience the changing seasons throughout the year.

Children in EYFS and Year 1 enjoy weekly Forest School sessions throughout the year, while children in Years 2–6 take part in weekly sessions for two half-terms each year. Learning is carefully planned to build on children's interests, prior experiences and developmental needs, with skills and challenges progressing as they move through school. Through exploration, play and child-led learning, children develop communication, collaboration, creativity and critical-thinking skills. Sessions include den building, shelter construction, fire lighting, tool use, nature exploration, outdoor cooking, environmental projects, teamwork challenges and creative activities.

Our exceptional outdoor environment provides meaningful opportunities for adventure, discovery and enrichment, while appropriate challenge, careful risk assessment and supported risk-taking help children develop independence, resilience, confidence and a deep appreciation of the natural world.

Impact

Children develop increasing confidence, independence and resilience, alongside practical skills, communication and teamwork. They learn to assess and manage risk, persevere when faced with challenges and apply problem-solving skills in unfamiliar situations. Through regular opportunities to explore and engage with the natural environment, children develop curiosity, respect for nature and a sense of responsibility for the world around them.

The impact of Forest School is evident in children's growing confidence to take on new challenges, their willingness to be independent, their ability to collaborate effectively with others and their resilience when faced with difficulty. Children demonstrate increasing levels of engagement, self-regulation, communication and leadership, while developing a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing.

They successfully apply skills and attitudes learnt through Forest School across the wider curriculum and school life, showing greater confidence, perseverance and readiness to learn. These rich experiences enhance children's personal development, cultural capital and understanding of the world, helping them to become motivated, reflective and responsible learners who approach new challenges with confidence, enthusiasm and a lifelong appreciation of the natural environment.