Forest Schools offer a unique educational experience using the outdoor environment of the forest as a classroom. Research carried out by the New Economics Foundation for the Forestry Commission suggests Forest Schools goes beyond enabling children to develop a love of the natural world. Indeed, high-quality provision is able to make a difference in the following ways:
- Confidence: children had the freedom, time and space to learn and demonstrate independence
- Social skills: children gained increased awareness of the consequences of their actions on peers through team activities such as sharing tools and participating in play
- Communication: language development was prompted by the children’s sensory experiences
- Motivation: the woodland tended to fascinate the children and they developed a keenness to participate and the ability to concentrate over longer periods of time
- Physical skills: these improvements were characterised by the development of physical stamina and gross and fine motor skills
- Knowledge and understanding: the children developed an interest in the natural surroundings and respect for the environment
Below you will find a copy of our Forest Schools Policy, all staff that take part in Forest Schools sessions have read and are familiar with the policy and safe practices.