Forest School offers unique and exciting experiences which help individuals to develop a connection to the outdoors and the natural world. We are lucky enough to have our very own Forest School site here at Woodlands, which we use all year round, and in all weathers.  Every child accesses a weekly session over two terms each year, allowing them time to explore and experience the changing weather, the seasons and to follow their own interests in a natural environment. Forest School also encourages the children to appreciate, care for and respect the natural environment. This regular immersion in a natural setting is beneficial for physical, emotional and social wellbeing. 

Forest School is an inspirational and nature-based process. It has a child-led ethos, meaning that the children themselves drive what they want to do. They have the time and the space, with access to a range of natural resources, to use their imagination and interests to create, build, question, explore, play, wonder, investigate, and much more.  The roles of the Forest School leader and the supporting adults are to observe the children as they play and learn, and to offer support, resources and experiences to build on their individual learning and interests. Learning new skills outdoors such as shelter building, cooking over a fire, and tool use give children valuable opportunities to learn new skills. It also gives children the chance to learn how to problem solve as well manage acceptable risk, always with supporting adults on hand. 

Forest School is an integral part of our wider curriculum. Class-based learning is supported and enhanced through discrete links to the curriculum in relevant subjects throughout the year.  It supports all aspects of children’s development, including their personal, cognitive, emotional, physical and social development. All children continue to develop the personal attributes and the attitudes which reflect the overarching values of Woodlands school.  These experiences provide opportunities for children to develop resilience; to try again when they encounter a problem and to move on positively when something goes wrong. Time in nature helps to develop empathy for living things as well as for each other in the Forest School learning community. The space that Forest School provides can support children to develop self-awareness, to discover previously unknown interests and skills. They are supported to feel proud of what they can achieve outside, just as they are in the classroom, and to strive for personal excellence, to be the best they can be.