Forest School

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During Reception, all children will have the opportunity to take part in Forest School activities.

 

Forest School is an inspirational and valuable experience that will enrich children’s learning, inspiring and developing a curiosity about the natural world around them.  

 

Forest School offers diverse learning opportunities, allowing children to benefit from a supportive curriculum that helps them to build positive values and attitudes.

 

Through our forest school sessions we aim to:

• Help children understand, appreciate and care for the natural environment.

• Help children develop a relationship with their environment through regular experiences.

• Build on children’s confidence, independence and self-esteem.

• Develop the children’s thinking, speaking and problem solving skills.

• Support all areas of learning in the foundation stage and early learning goals.

 

We provide children with the opportunity to play; access and assess risk, build self-esteem and confidence, develop social interaction and resilience which allows them to engage in activities independently and with others in a creative and encouraging environment, supporting them to reach their full potential as individuals.

 

What happens at Forest School?

 

Our Forest School is led by qualified Forest School Practitioners – Miss Fowler, Miss Bennett and Mrs Kehel.

 

We believe that children learn best from hands on experience. Forest School sessions allow children to explore and learn through planned activities and free play. Opportunities to build upon self-esteem, teamwork and a sense of independence are important at Forest School.

 

The Forest School leaders will observe each child and assess their needs and requirements.

 

Planning for each session will be based upon ideas and needs from the children and will have links to the early years foundation stage curriculum.

 

Activities may include;

• Mud painting, mud pies

• Shelter building

• Problem solving

• Creative activities

• Team building games

 

Many more activities may take place and will be child led.

 

Children are encouraged to create what comes naturally to them in a safe way. Forest school allows children to express their ideas freely, which may develop strategies to cope with different situations.

 

Forest school Location

 

Forest School takes place within the Christ Church Junior School grounds. The copse is a spectacular woodland space that the children enjoy exploring throughout the changing seasons.

The site is safe and secure and only used by the two schools. It is maintained regularly and will always be checked before children arrive.

 

Travelling to Forest School

 

As Forest School takes place at Christ Church Juniors the children walk to and from the Junior School for each session. This is a short walk from the Infant site- around 10 minutes each way.

 

Forest School Clothing

 

Forest School is an opportunity for children to learn whilst investigating and exploring, therefore suitable clothing is required for the well-being of the child:

• Sturdy boots, wellies or trainers

• Long trousers and warm layers, long sleeved top

• Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers (where possible, school has a limited supply)

• Hat (warm for winter/sunhat for summer)

• Gloves

• Spare pair of socks

• Sunscreen to be applied before school – where appropriate