Forest School

What is Forest School?

Forest School offers a holistic approach to learning in a natural environment and encourages self esteem, confidence and resilience. It follows 6 major principles.

Time

Forest School is a long term process. This allows relationships to grow between leaders and learners and between the learners themselves. Children at Diggle School participate in Forest School session throughout their school journey from EYFS to Year 6. Forest School leaders carefully observe the children during the sessions and plan activities which will build on their needs and abilities and reflect their interests.

Nature

We are lucky to have a wooded area within the school grounds which is home to different species of trees, shrubs and wildlife. We have a sustainability plan and we are looking into planting more trees and shrubs with the children and developing the area to encourage the curiosity and imagination of the children. The natural environment enables the children to explore and discover, and to form a positive relationship with nature.

Risk

During our sessions the children will be supported in taking appropriate risks, both physically and emotionally. This encourages the children to balance risk with consequences. Fires and tools will be used during some sessions, but only where the leaders feel it is appropriate and of benefit to the children.

Holistic Development

We value highly the holistic approach to learning fostered by Forest School. This develops confidence, self esteem and resilience in our children. Forest School is child centred and sessions are adapted for each group of learners and their interests, abilities and needs. We aim to provide activities which will develop the children's physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social abilities.

Leadership

The Forest School leaders at our school consider themselves to be learners and are constantly reflecting on practice. Leaders must hold a level 3 Forest School qualification and also hold paediatric first aid certificates. Relevant policies and procedures have been written and followed and leaders are supported by at least one other member of staff.

Community

Our Forest School sessions offer play and choice to our children. All of our staff at school recognise the importance of play in the development of our children. Sessions are based on the interest and needs of the children and are well planned, but can be adapted or changed according to these interests or needs. Leaders use observations during our sessions to enable them to make future plans.

Class teachers will inform parents when their child’s Forest School sessions will take place. Please send your children dressed in comfortable, old clothes on these days. Joggers or leggings with a sweatshirt are ideal. It is preferable for children to have their arms and legs covered, although we accept that in hot weather they may prefer shorts and T shirts. Forest School sessions will still take place in wet weather and with this in mind we ask that they also bring waterproofs if possible. We do have some spare ones in school for those children who don’t have any. Children will need suncream and a hat in hot weather.