The Forest School approach is a Scandinavian initiative which is now being adopted by a number of LEAs and independent schools in the UK. In simple terms it involves regular (perhaps half a day per fortnight) visits by children to secure and safe woodland sites close to the School for a range of child initiated activities throughout the year. Visits are undertaken in all weathers except high winds. (There's a Scandinavian saying - There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!)

Although successfully adopted by groups from all age ranges, it has been especially successful with pre-school and Foundation stage children, allowing them freedom to learn in an exciting environment often no longer available to young children today.

A Forest School session could include looking at colour, shape or change in the natural environment, building dens, making whistles and other crafts, or even having a small, controlled bonfire for toasting marshmallows!


The stringent Risk Assessments and high adult to pupil ratio means that exciting activities can be done safely.

 

At time of writing, Essex Outdoors staff from Daws Hall and Pelham have helped to set up over 20 Forest Schools.We are keen to keep the ball rolling and get more local schools involved so please contact us if you are interested. All Essex Outdoor staff leading Forest School sessions are qualified Forest School leaders (Level 3 OCN or BTEC)

What can it do for the children?

Evidence collected from schemes already up and running suggests that through regular, carefully planned sessions in the same area of woodland, children will develop:

· their innate motivation and positive attitude to learning
· personal confidence and self esteem
· language, communication and social skills
· a wider range of physical skills than are usually developed indoors
· a greater understanding about their own natural and man-made environments
· a greater understanding about wider environmental issues

and remember…..it's fun!