Forest Schools began in Scandinavia, where outdoor living is deeply rooted in society, and are based on the principle that children (and adults) benefit from the learning opportunities that are intrinsic in woodlands and forests. Packwood’s Forest School is an inspirational place that stimulates the children’s curiosity and sense of wonder about the world around them. It offers opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning in a natural woodland environment.
At Happy Faces, we have a member of staff who is Forest School trained and the three and four year olds visit every week. We spend two to three hours there and the children relish the chance to explore an open outdoor environment where they can learn new boundaries and take controlled risks. There is also an adult-led activity, such as making an abacus from conkers the children have collected; whittling sticks; and toasting marshmallows on an open fire. Our regular visits mean that over the course of the academic year the children can see how the environment changes during the different seasons.