Forest Schools
Introduction
Forest School is a unique method of Outdoor Education that allows children to develop confidence, independence, self-esteem and awareness and knowledge of the natural environment.
This is achieved by setting small achievable tasks. The child is never put in a position where he/she will fail so success is attained. It is a child centred and child led programme that provides the opportunity for the children to use their personal learning style to complete their chosen tasks.
Purpose/Aims of Forest Schools
- To provide children with experiences that encourage an appreciation, awareness and knowledge of the natural environment.
- To learn to respect and care for their own local environment.
- To abide by rules and set standards of behaviour, to work cooperatively in groups and to respect each other.
- Develop children’s self-esteem and self-confidence, through the setting of small achievable tasks.
Environmental Considerations and Conservation
One of the principles of Forest School is to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainability. The children are taught about respect and responsibility for the world around them. Both the children and adults are encouraged to respect their environment and to be aware of conservation issues of the wild area around them.
The aim is to promote respect for wildlife, which will be achieved through detailed session plans, evaluation and careful reference to our Forest Schools Management Plan and Ecological Impact Assessment. If appropriate, reclaimed, recycled and sustainable resources will be used to maintain and develop our forest school site.
Encouraging children to care for the environment is an essential part of Forest Schools. In order to encourage the children to look after the site we will always leave it tidy and never damage anything growing in it. We will only collect things that are on the ground and leave the area as we found it when we leave. The Forest Schools Leader will monitor the site so that it does not become overused and an alternative area will be found and risk assessed if necessary.
Clothing Requirements for Forest Schools
The following clothing requirements are for everyone attending a Forest School session (even adult volunteers).
- Woolly hat/sunhat
- Gloves
- Jacket/waterproof coat
- Fleece/sweatshirt/long sleeved top
- Waterproof/long trousers
- Spare socks
- Stout shoes/wellies/boots
Children cannot attend Forest Schools sessions without a change of clothes and footwear. School clothes/footwear cannot be worn.
