Intent

At our Forest School, we aim to inspire a love for nature, build resilience, and develop essential life skills. Through hands-on experiences in an outdoor setting, children will:

• Develop personal, social, and practical skills.
• Work through challenges and solve problems creatively.
• Use tools safely to create, build, and manage projects.
• Discover their own learning styles and pursue personal interests.
• Learn how to manage setbacks and develop perseverance.
• Build confidence in decision-making and risk evaluation.
• Develop a deep understanding of the natural world and their place within it.
• Experience regular success and achievement.
• Strengthen language, communication, and motor skills.
• Improve concentration, motivation, and independence.
• Explore the world through all their senses.

Children will take ownership of their learning, with sessions providing both structured opportunities and the freedom to explore their own ideas. Our goal is for every child to leave our school with valuable practical knowledge, confidence, and a connection to the environment, preparing them to be well-rounded, responsible citizens.

Implementation

Forest School is integrated with our curriculum, allowing subjects to be taught through hands-on outdoor experiences. Sessions are led by a fully trained Forest School practitioner, accredited by the Forest School Association.

Our approach is grounded in the six Forest School principles, ensuring that sessions:

• Are long-term and learner-led.
• Take place in a natural setting to foster deep connections with the environment.
• Encourage supported risk-taking and problem-solving.
• Promote holistic development—emotional, social, physical, and cognitive.
• Are led by qualified practitioners who adapt learning to each child’s needs.
• Cultivate respect and care for the natural world.

Children are encouraged to take appropriate risks, supported by the Forest School lead, who carefully assesses risk vs benefit. If an activity is deemed too hazardous, the lead will either guide children to a safer alternative or explain why it cannot continue, ensuring safety remains a priority.

Impact

Forest School enhances children’s learning by making it relevant to their lives, their community, and the wider world. It instils responsibility and respect for the environment, fostering a sense of belonging and stewardship.

We assess the impact of our Forest School program through:

• Capturing images and videos of practical learning experiences.
• Conducting pupil interviews to gather their perspectives and reflections.
• Observing children’s engagement, confidence, and skills development over time.

By integrating learning with real-world experiences, we ensure that every child benefits from an enriched, meaningful education that stays with them long after they leave our school.