Forest School

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Welcome to Woodland Play

During our session we aim to take children on a unique journey together giving children the opportunity to learn about themselves, other people and the world around them within Forest School.

What is Forest School?

Forest School sessions provide children with the opportunity to explore and experience the natural world through practical activities in the outdoors which will in return help promote confidence, independence and self-esteem. Also by using resources available in the woods and the children’s interests we hope to stimulate further imagination, creativity and enquiry skills. The sessions will run throughout the year and in all weather.

We will be making the most of our environment, using lots of natural materials, having messy play and learning about tool usage and fires. 

Woodland play will follow the same pattern each time so that children will feel comfortable:

• Meet and Greet – Our Ranger meets the group at the Woods Car Park.
• Walk to The Forest School Site
• Arrival Circle Time – Our Ranger will discuss Woodland Play rules   through games e.g. boundaries, fire safety      Theme – Our Ranger will give an introduction to the session using a story, song, game, activity, toy etc.
• Free time - Children choose which activities they would like to do, adults will need to model certain ideas and skills to support their learning.
• Circle time - at the end of a session there is time to reflect and share experiences. A book will be read to the group.
• Walk back to the Woods Car Park.

Activities that may be included in programme:-

• Nature activities such as minibeast hunts, tree identification and bird watching
• Sensory Activities – time to explore colour, smell, sound and touch
• Forest crafts – learning to make natural jewellery, name badges and woodland creatures
• Imagination – story telling, role play, songs, mud faces
• Physical play – tree climbing, balancing, log dragging, whittling
• Construction – shelter building, rope swings, animal homes

By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in woodland environment children have an opportunity to develop their physical, emotional and social skills.  Children thrive in this exciting and stimulating setting.

Children and more and more adults, need time to thoroughly explore their thoughts, feelings and relationships.  This time and reflective practice develops understanding of the world, the environment and everything within it through the use of emotions, imagination and senses.

What to Wear

The session will go ahead, even if it rains.  Therefore being properly dressed is vital for outside play for both adults and children.  Our staff will model play with our children and therefore both staff and children will need to be dressed appropriately.

We recommend the following:

• Warm clothing top and bottom – layers are best so that you can shed a layer or add a layer to be more comfortable.  Long sleeves and long trousers.
• Hat and gloves or sun hat – weather dependent
• Waterproof outer layer top and bottom. 
• Waterproof shoes and no open toed shoes
•  Spare set of clothes including socks

Toilet facilities

We will be using an outdoor/compost toilet at the site.  A spade and toilet paper will be provided.

Other Essentials

We intend to light the fire each week and we will be making hot chocolate and other food stuffs.  We take nursery snacks with us and packed lunches during the warmer months.   Children will need re-fuelling and it is important not to let energy levels dip.

ALL THE CHILDREN AND STAFF LOVE FOREST SCHOOL