WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

Forest School is a model of outdoor education where children can explore a wooded/nature site, taking risks and learning new skills; these may include safely using tools and fire. Sessions allow the children to explore, making their own choices and leading their learning through their interests. Forest School practitioners observe and extend the children’s learning, modelling and supporting them in their choices. 

THERE ARE 6 FOREST SCHOOL (FS) PRINCIPLES:

• FS is a long term process of frequent and regular sessions, rather than a one off or infrequent visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
• FS takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world
• FS uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
• FS aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
• FS offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks, appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
• FS is run by qualified FS practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice 

FOREST SCHOOL AT WRESTLINGWORTH CofE INFANT SCHOOL

• We aim for each child to take part in a term of Forest school sessions per year.
• Forest School sessions are planned, reviewed and adapted for the needs of the children through previous session observations.
• Forest School takes place on the school field (the meadow), which is across the road from the school grounds.
• We aim to promote the holistic development of all children involved in Forest School through fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
• Forest School sessions offer all learners the opportunity to take supported risks in a safe environment. 

Each session is started in a meeting circle. Children are reminded of Forest School rules and together we take a moment to be relaxed and calm and to connect with nature. We may tell the children about specific resources/tools available during the session. 

Children are reminded to: 

• Look after yourself  
• Look after each other 
• Look after the environment

During the sessions children may take part in a range of activities, these could include: den building, tool work, making a fire, team building, nature identification, outdoor games. 

Each session lasts for 90 minutes and is usually finished by returning to the meeting circle to be together and reflect.