Forest School has been defined by the Forest School England network as:
An inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve, and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment. Forest Education Initiative, 2005a
There are several key aspects to Forest School that differentiate it from many other outdoor education activities. Although some of the individual features outlined below are not unique to Forest School, when brought together they provide an experience for children that they would not get elsewhere. These defining features are important as they emphasise how and why Forest School is different in terms of its benefits for children. These features can be describe as follows:
- The use of a woodland (wild) setting
- A high ration of adults to pupils
- Learning can be linked to national Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage objectives
- The freedom to explore using multiple senses
- Regular contact for the children over a significant period of time
More information will follow in regards to the development and ethos of Forest School at Beechdale Nursery. This is an exciting time for the Nursery and a new magical activity that will take place weekly for groups of children.
Mrs Cornes has a real passion for learning outdoors and has undergone training and delivery in the area of Forest School. She has recently completed and has successfully achieved her Leadership award for Forest School and is excited at the prospect of the development at Beechdale. There is an action plan in place and the first process is to train all staff in this area, wellies and waterproofs at the ready…
Once all the staff are on board, trained and ready to go a full scale risk assessment if the site will be carried out and a session planned to raise parents awareness of the Forest School ethos and what will be involved for all children will be delivered. If all goes to plan we aim to begin Forest School sessions after the Easter holiday 2012.
- a Guide to Forest Schools (Norfolk)
- An Evaluation of Forest Schools in Enlgand
- A marvellous opportunity for children to learn
