Forest School
Forest School provides a wide range of experiences in an ever- changing natural environment, which nurtures children from diverse backgrounds and gives them the chance to engage with nature. It supports children of all ages, and activities can be adapted for those with additional needs, offering a wider variety of experiences, many of which can only be found outside. By creating an inclusive approach where ideas are shared and valued and where different approaches to learning are acknowledged, the children can feel relaxed and respected and appreciated for themselves.
Forest School provides a wide range of experiences in an ever- changing natural environment, which nurtures children from diverse backgrounds and gives them the chance to engage with nature. It supports children of all ages, and activities can be adapted for those with additional needs, offering a wider variety of experiences, many of which can only be found outside. By creating an inclusive approach where ideas are shared and valued and where different approaches to learning are acknowledged, the children can feel relaxed and respected and appreciated for themselves.
Through the provision of a broad and creative curriculum of balanced child-initiated and adult-led activities, Forest School supports and scaffolds the children’s ideas giving them opportunities to grow in all areas of their development. Forest School can contribute to 4 of the 5 outcomes that are part of the government initiative, Every Child Matters (ECM) 2003. These are to:
- be healthy
- stay safe
- enjoy and achieve
- make a positive contribution
Children’s personal, emotional and social skills are developed to help them gain the confidence to interact appropriately with others within certain boundaries of behaviour and with an awareness of the consequences of their actions. Forest School creates an inclusive, exciting and stimulating environment, but one that is also safe so that the children have the opportunity to take risks. Teamwork highlights the need for children to learn to negotiate, sharing ideas as they work with and alongside others so as to develop the ability to function independently.
Children develop their concentration skills by participating in a variety of activities. Being outdoors can offer them opportunities to be involved and take their own unique approach to tasks. Introducing the children to a range of tools and materials gives them the chance to explore their creative side. They are also encouraged to develop their physical skills, fine and gross, build stamina and adopt a ‘can-do’ attitude.
The children are given the opportunity to learn, understand and take an interest in their surroundings in the hope that they will develop a respect for the outdoors as they explore and discover the natural world.