What is Forest School?

In Forest School children get the chance to play, explore and discover. The sessions are all about exploring their surroundings. Staff can be as involved as they like. It may be a rare opportunity, but watching the children lead their own learning is how they progress in a natural setting. The staff provide various learning experiences including use of tools and fire, to provide children with the ability to transfer skills they learn into everyday life. The focus is on reconnecting (or in some cases ‘connecting’) children with their local outdoor environment, giving them the space and freedom to discover, play, explore and learn within a natural, outdoor setting.

Forest School has and is being used with children of all ages, including children with special educational needs, the results the educators see in progress is phenomenal. Children that are known not to concentrate well in class are coming to Forest School and excelling in practical, hands-on tasks which engage them. Improved social skills, greater peer interaction, stronger relationships and better problem solving abilities are all benefits attributed to Forest School attendees. No child can fail at Forest School; all children manage to take something positive from the experience.