Forest School

What your child can expect from a Forest School programme?

Forest School leaders introduce activities to the group in order to stimulate interest and give the group ideas to develop themselves.
Specific activities vary hugely and a definitive list is not possible, although typical examples will include;

Safe fire lighting and fire management.

Simple cooking and hot drinks

Sculpture and pictures using woodland materials.

Stories with themes on the natural world

Woodcraft activities using simple hand tools and natural resources such as green wood and other plant material.

Natural play trails or rope trails

Den building with natural resources or tarpaulins.

Buckets and digging tools for earth and mud play

Games to promote environmental awareness.

Crucial Free time to develop positive relationships and self-reflect

Is Forest School Safe?

Forest School sessions will be led by Ben Heffernan who is a fully qualified Forest School Leader, with over 6 years outdoor education experience. He is also trained in first aid.

Forest School Sessions are supported with Teachers and Support staff from the school. Staffing ratios will be adhered to and any pupils who require 1:1 support will have this during Forest School. Forest School Sessions are inclusive and planned to allow all pupils, including SEN to participate fully. The safety and welfare of the pupils participating in Forest School is paramount and therefore all tasks are age-appropriate and risk assessments have been carried out for all activities prior to taking place.

What will my child be learning in this time spent outside the class?

Mr Heffernan has developed a diverse set of sessions that link in with core curriculum and foundation subjects that excite and inspire young minds. His sessions help promote an holistic approach to learning that incorporates play, creativity, communication and imagination.

Mr Heffernen's sessions are built around building self-confidence, a greater social capability and resilience. Children learn to take risks, experience life and growth, and have their own adventures.

Mr Heffernan also provides weekly Forest School sessions to children identified as 'vulnerable' and/or with poor school attendance, and those simply in need of some nurturing. These sessions have proven to foster self-esteem and confidence but also develop a stronger positive attitude to learning. These sessions have had positive impacts to self-confidence, social capability and resilience.

What will my child need to bring on their Forest School days?

Forest School sessions will take place in all weathers except for very high winds. In order to participate in Forest School, your child mush have wellies or old footwear. Bringing old clothes to change into is also advisable, as your child WILL get mucky!

Please bring sun cream and a hat on warmer days.