An introduction to Forest School
If your child is about to start Forest School you will receive a newsletter explaining Forest School. This will be prepared by Sara specifically for your school and your child's class. The link below is an example of a newsletter sent to the parents of Year 4 children at St Jude's Catholic Primary School.
Further information on Forest School can be found at The Forest School Association website.
Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor and woodland education. This learner-centred approach interweaves with the ever-changing natural world through the seasons to fill every Forest School session and programme with discovery and wonder. Yet each programme does also share a common set of principles, aimed at ensuring that all learners experience the cumulative and lasting benefits that quality Forest School offers.
Principles of Forest School
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FS is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off session or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
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FS takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
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FS uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
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FS aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
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FS offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
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FS is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
