Forest School is an inspirational process that offers children regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem, through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment.

As the seasons change the potential and challenge of each session brings new opportunities for discovery.  It provides opportunities to explore their boundaries in a safe and supportive environment, building resilience and strength of character.

Learning experiences are loosely structured in order to accommodate the interests and curiosity of each child. These can include problem solving, being creative and learning more specific bush-craft skills. The children are given time and space to explore and discover things for themselves.

Reflection at the end of the sessions is important as it supports communication and confidence building, feedback is taken into account when planning future sessions.

Children are often unable to make their own judgements about risk. Learning to take risks is important as there is risk in everything we do, and we grow by overcoming them. Forest School helps children to become resilient, confident and independent by taking supported risks through play.

The 6 Principles of Forest School:

1. It is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits. 

2. Occurs in a natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the child and the natural world.

3. Uses a range of child-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.

4. Aims to promote holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative children.

5. Offers children the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves

6. Run by qualified Forest School Practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

The child-centred approach interweaves with the ever-changing moods and marvels, potential and challenges of the natural world through the seasons to fill every Forest School session with discovery and difference, making each session and every experience valuable.