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Leasowes Primary School

Forest schools

The Forest School Association (FSA) states: “Forest Schools offer a unique educational experience using the outdoor environment of the forest as a classroom.” The Forest Schools Curriculum Overview at Leasowes sets out discrete links between curriculum subjects and topic areas, and Forest School activities in order to utilise this unique learning experience to its full potential. 

At Leasowes, we are continually looking for ways to inspire and engage children in their learning particularly using the outdoor environment. Making the most of our enviable grounds, our trained Forest School leaders regularly take groups into our woodland environment throughout the year to engage in Forest School. 

Attached is a brief overview of the Forest School ethos which details the origins of this practice and how children may benefit from experiencing this unique approach to learning.

Forest School Information for Parents

Forest School is a child-centered, inspirational learning approach, that supports holistic growth and personal development through connecting with the natural environment. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting. By introducing Forest School sessions as part of our curriculum offer to extend learning beyond the classroom, we aim to nurture an understanding and respect for natural places. This means that children can experience nature first-hand through a series of engaging and achievable tasks. Forest School improves a child’s ability to work collaboratively whilst also offering them opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning, all of which builds personal resilience. This helps to equip children with the relevant knowledge and skills to develop their personal character as well as their talents and interests.  

Where does the idea come from?

Forest schools originated in Sweden during the 1950s as a way of teaching children about the natural world. The idea was adopted by Denmark as an important part of Early Years provision. The concept was introduced to Britain in 1995 by Bridgewater College and is being developed all over the country in a variety of settings.

Who is Forest School for?

Everyone can benefit from Forest School. Forest School provides a valuable teaching tool for a wide range of curriculum subjects. It is an excellent way to support and enrich the National Curriculum and engages children with a variety of needs and learning styles. Within Forest School at Leasowes, children are supported in developing skills and knowledge which are relevant and inclusive of all. Forest School offers equal opportunities for development that are accessible to all children, which links to the UNCRC Article 23: Children with Disabilities. The holistic character education that takes place supports “Personal Development” and “Behaviour and Attitude” as required under the Ofsted Inspection Framework, as well as significantly contributing to the school’s Safeguarding and Equality Duties; British Values, our own school values and charter; and the SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) development opportunities provided for our children.

What will happen during a Forest School session at Leasowes?

At Leasowes, children from Y1 through to Y6 attend Forest School sessions on a Thursday afternoon for a half-term block of sessions each. The sessions are led by qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioners; Mrs Keen and Mr Williams along with Mrs Bennett, who is currently completing her Level 3 training, and TA support from Mrs Turnock.   

During these sessions, children experience all sorts of woodland activities, tasks and challenges which help them build an understanding and appreciation of the woodland as well as providing opportunities for learning collaboratively together. The activities are always hands-on and may require the use of a range of tools. The sessions also allow time for self-reflection when the children are encouraged to identify how their experiences at Forest School impact their ongoing personal development. Sessions also promote curiosity through exploration and outdoor play and this develops children's respect for the environment.

Strong ties are built between subject areas and Forest School practice, allowing for the consolidation of curriculum concepts in an alternative environment. Leasowes children therefore receive a rich and varied learning experience within Forest School that promotes both physical and mental health.

EYFS

In EYFS, the children begin to experience Forest School with their own class teachers and enjoy playing some Forest School games and learning the Forest School rules and boundaries. They use clay and natural resources as part of their creating and playing and learn the importance of respecting the natural environment.

Achievement

A child’s achievement at Forest School is assessed through their social, emotional and practical development and this is observed by session leaders on a weekly basis and passed on to other staff to inform them of children’s progress. Achievement in Forest School is relative to each individual child’s experience. For some children, building a shelter for the first time might increase their self-confidence, which can then impact learning in the classroom, while for others, having the opportunity to use tools safely brings a greater sense of accomplishment. Retrieval opportunities are planned so that children continuously build on skills over the short and long term in order to promote progress and development. Forest School offers vast opportunities for building cultural capital by embedding core life skills such as resilience, respect, confidence, problem-solving, teamwork and communication. 

Forest School Kit List

Please ensure that all kit is in school for your child’s Forest School sessions; even when sunny and warm at the start of a session the temperature within the woodland can be many degrees lower. The whole session will be spent outdoors whatever the weather so appropriate clothing is essential. The only time that we will not be working outdoors is in excessive high winds or lightning. Please be aware that children may get muddy or wet during these sessions so for their own comfort it is important that they wear appropriate clothing.  Earrings must be removed and long hair must be tied back for safety reasons as for PE lessons. 

Clothing needed for Forest School sessions

  • Sturdy trainers, boots or wellies
  • Socks
  • Long trousers all year round
  • Long-sleeved top
  • Warm jumper/zip-up hoodie
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers (we do have a bank of waterproof trousers and jackets that children can use during our Forest School sessions)
  • Hat/gloves (in winter)
  • Sun hat (in summer)