Forest Schools

We are lucky to be able to offer the children Forest School Sessions. We have access to an area of woodland off-site thanks to a local charity ‘The Poland Trust’ who have given us permission to use part of their land.

Forest School is a unique outdoor education programme run by trained leaders. It gives children and young people the chance to explore, learn and discover at their own pace, developing their confidence and self-esteem in a safe and supportive space.

Forest School is different from most other forms of 'environmental education' in that it involves regular sessions in the same woods and the activities are mainly determined by the children and are predominately play based.

The aims of Forest Schools

There are 6 main principles for forest school sessions

1: It is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.

2: Takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.

3: Aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

4: Offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

5. Is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

6. Uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.