What is Forest school?
It is a different approach to formal classroom learning by allowing flexibility. It is an educational system that helps people grow and gain self-esteem through experiences. It tries to work along with an individual’s learning style focusing on the acquisition of knowledge and learning through enjoyable and natural experiences. It gives children the opportunity to learn and achieve self confidence, self esteem and self actualisation in the outdoor environment by using natural materials while having fun.
It helps develop:
- Physical and motor skills
- Language and communications skills
- Social skills, including team working
- Self-confidence and self-belief
- Motivation
- Concentration
- knowledge and understanding of the environment.
Forest school complements formal education it encourages risk taking, self-drive, problem solving giving them the confidence to make their own choices.
Activities
These will include: Hunting for and identifying plants and animals, tying ropes, using some tools safely, building protective shade, making things, using opportunities to increasing awareness of and about the environment and the impact of the action we take.
Sessions will last between one to four hours depending on age, objectives, and needs of children or risk assessment.
Clothing
This should reflect the weather. i.e. lighter clothing in summer and layers of warm clothing in winter.
A weatherproof overall and wellies will remove the concern for clothing getting dirty.
Clothing may get dirty, but remember dirt can be washed off. Please try not to dress your child in clothes you will be worried about. If you have any concerns about clothes getting dirty, this may have an impact on your child's enjoyment and involvement in his/her play. |
Health and Safety
We will carry out risk assessments prior to a visit and every term to ensure the environment is safe
We will try to involve all the children (age relevant) in the identification of hazards and consequences, so they can keep themselves safe.
All adults involved in the sessions will have a C.R.B check done, and references will be taken.
Boundaries will be identified at the beginning of the session and regular headcounts will be done.
A first aider will be taken and a first aid box will attend all sessions.
Qualifications
The Forest School leader holding the sessions will be qualified to Level 3. Qualifications are overseen by the institute of outdoor learning.
Cancellations
This may happen in some circumstances such as:
- Leader unwell
- Severe weather conditions
- Insufficient adults
- Identified risk at the site
- Insufficient resources
- Outbreak of illness
As much notice as possible will be given to everyone. Cancellation may be done prior to an outing or during an outing.
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