Licence No: A07/000007
Forest School
What is Forest School?
Forest School aims to connect children and young people to the great outdoors, to make them champions for the environment and to provide a natural space for them to play, discover, explore and learn. Forest School is a holistic approach to learning and has proven to be beneficial to all children, particularly those who struggle with the demands of a classroom. Without the constraints of a set curriculum, we are able to tailor sessions to the needs and desires of the child in a nurturing, relaxed, inspiring setting.
We offer a range of activities which follow the Forest School ethos, including tool work, den building, fire work, rope and knot work, scavenger hunts, nature art and creativity. Alongside these activities, we also provide children with opportunities to take responsibility for their learning and play through child chosen activities - supported by adults. This allows us to create an inclusive environment where all children feel safe to learn and explore, get creative, feel welcomed and most importantly have fun!
Why Forest school and outdoors in nature?
Forest schools can have many benefits for children including:
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Cognitive development: Children can improve their cognitive learning through hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery.
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Physical health: Children can develop their physical abilities through activities in the forest including fine and gross motor skills.
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Emotional health: Children can reduce stress levels and develop emotional health. Being in a calm space supports those who struggle with attention and focus.
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Connection to nature: Children can develop an interest in the natural world and respect for the environment.
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Independence: Children can learn at their own pace and develop a sense of accomplishment.
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Problem - solving and creativity: Children can increase their creativity and problem solving through hands-on learning.
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Sensory engagement: Activities in the forest can be beneficial for children with sensory processing difficulties .
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Social skills: Children can learn about the consequences their actions have on others through team activities.
More reasons and research to explore the benefits of forest school:
“Mental health problems can manifest in different ways in different children. We found that a greater connection with nature was associated with reductions in both emotional and behavioural problems,” said Dr Elian Fink, a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sussex who was involved in the study.
Research in children’s education makes it clear that learning that is satisfying, rewarding and effective occurs when the child is deeply engaged and involved – and that this happens when the learner is strongly motivated by the experience, because it is relevant and matters to them at that moment.