Forest School

At St. Paul’s Walden Nursery we hold Forest School sessions on Monday afternoons at Hitch Wood View the full forest school picture gallery..

What is Forests School?

Forest Schools has developed from the Scandinavian education system and is about children and young people building self esteem and independence through exploring and experiencing the natural world. Forest Schools is a long term programme delivered by trained practitioners within a natural environment (not necessarily a Forest!). The idea was brought to the UK in the mid 1990’s following a visit by nursery nurses and early year’s representatives from Somerset to Denmark where Forest Schools had been established during the 1980’s.

What benefits will my child get from participating in Forest Schools?

Forest Schools supports the holistic development of the child:

  • Health and fitness – Being active in an outdoor, natural environment.
  • Increased emotional wellbeing – There is research available supporting this.
  • Social development – Communicating, and negotiating with peers and adults to solve problems and share experiences.
  • Skills development – Developing fine and gross motor skills and coordination for real purposes.
  • Gaining knowledge and understanding – Multi–sensory, real-life learning.
  • Individualised learning – Careful observation allows adults to tailor support to children’s own interests and stage of development.
  • Curriculum Links – Forest Schools supports many areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, National Curriculum and the Every Child Matters agenda.

What will my child be doing?

The Forest School routine includes; preparing to go out by dressing in outdoor clothes such as waterproofs; travelling to the site; singing special songs and sharing stories. Forest Schools will run all year round and in all weathers (unless weather conditions are dangerous). The child led ethos of Forest Schools means that once at the site the children can choose what to participate in, carefully supported and encouraged by trained adults. Possible activities may include:

  • Hunting for minibeasts
  • Natural crafts – making necklaces, crowns, mobiles, dream catchers and collages from natural materials
  • Searching for signs of the season
  • Games that involve climbing and crawling
  • Digging
  • Mud sculptures
  • Shelter building and knot tying
  • Tree climbing
  • Using tools for a purpose – such as peeling bark from sticks with potato peelers to make toasting forks.
  • Fire building and cooking on a camp fire

Sessions are planned around the individual’s and group’s needs, and built upon each week. The earlier sessions will concentrate on safety; establishing boundaries and routines. As the children develop in confidence and familiarity with the environment the sessions focus on the development and consolidation of skills and understanding.
For more information contact our administrator or the nursery.