Forest school is an approach to learning where children lead their own development. A range of learning opportunities are provided but there are no specific curriculum outcomes to be met each session, and there is no expectation for any child to complete any of the activities set out. This approach allows children to make choices about how to spend their time and develop holistically.
Our sessions take place in the forest school area, outside all year round. We are equipped to support the children through the hot, cold, wet and dry. Our lodge is our multi use indoor space, children have access to a private toilet, handwashing facilities and we access our forest kitchen daily. The children will have the opportunity to see the seasonal changes of this space, which we learn about, as part of the activities we offer and conservation we undertake.
It is our role as staff to observe and support the development of the children. We adapt the environment to fit the interests, skill level and needs of each group and individuals. We offer support and encouragement for children to take part in risky activities; undertaking robust risk/benefit analysis for the activities we offer to ensure that these risks are proportionate and reasonable. Children will have opportunity to use tools, spend time around an open fire and use equipment that will allow them to test and build their gross motor skills (the rope swing is a firm favourite).
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All children in Saplings and mighty oaks rooms are invited to join us at forest school. When the children have settled in following their move into saplings, we will be in touch to discuss session availability and to welcome familied into our forest community.
What should my child wear for forest school?
In the winter. All children will need to wear a waterproof outer layer, many choose to bring their own puddle suit (or waterproof separates) We do offer waterproof over trousers, our stock of these is inconsistent, we will pop the child in their coat to keep their top half dry. Wellies are also a key item; we have plenty of spares across a range of sizes. We also highly recommend a spare outfit, especially socks as these often end up damp and muddy.
In the summer. All children need to remain covered to protect from the sun and from cuts and grazes. Thin long sleeve tops and leggings allow children the freedom of movement and reduces the risk of our most likely injuries. On hot days we will have lots of water play and being covered means less time reapplying sun screen as it is just exposed bits on heads that will need the protection. Full in shoes are also needed.
Please label all clothing as it helps us to get everything back to its owner without delay.
What risky activities do children take part in?
We regularly gook on our campfire, the children will get used to being around fire and there will be some occasions where they will be able to engage with it a little closer.
We undertake some tool work. This will always be highly supervised on an appropriate ratio. Children will be encouraged to maintain safe spacing and keep themselves away from potential harm. Tools we currently use include; hammers, bow saws, secateurs, palm drills and hand drills
For all risky activities we inform children of the danger that is present and advise on how to keep safe; with higher staff ratios we will have adults present where the highest risks exist to repeat and remind children. Over time our forest school groups become familiar with the risks and support their peers.
What happens if there is bad weather?
We will only close forest school when there is a significant risk. Lightning and storm winds are the only types of weather we cannot safeguard against. We will close immediately and the children will return to their room until it is safe to restart the session. Where there is extreme cold we will delay the start to the session until the heaters have created a warm enough environment, safe and pleasant for the children to enjoy.
What activities do the children do in forest school?
Sessions are completely variable, dependant on the conditions and the character of the group. Every session starts with a nature related story to help settle the children to their session, and link with routine inside the nursery. We plan weekly activities linked to our story of the week; children are not expected to complete all (or any) of these activities. We aim to offer a sensory experience, physical activity options and a craft each week, but these are regularly adapted and no two sessions look the same.
What happens when my child needs the toilet?
We have a private toilet where children can go with the appropriate level of support. We are equipped to change nappies and support with toilet training. We are starting to recommend that children have separate waterproof trousers and coat (rather than an all in one puddle suit) to increase independence with toileting and allow children to remain covered as much as possible throughout nappy changes.