What is Forest school?

Forest School is an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop their confidence and self-esteem, through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within, and compliments, the wider context of outdoor education. Every child taking part in Forest school is looking to develop a knowledge and passion for their local habitat and how to look after and nurture it – the flora and fauna as well as embracing the physical and personal challenges that working outside can present.

What do we aim to achieve in Forest school in Reception?

• Fostering the enjoyment of the great outdoors;
• Embracing the physical challenges that working outside can bring;
• Developing both fine and gross motor skills;
• Developing personal and social skills by working in pairs and teams to complete tasks;
• Developing a range of bespoke Forest School/bush craft skills such as knot tying, fire safety, sawing, drilling and whittling;
• Developing a knowledge of local common flora and fauna;
• Fostering an awareness of seasonal change;
• Encouraging children to take risks in a supported environment;
• Developing problem solving and resilience through practical tasks such as den building;
• Ensuring children develop an understanding of keeping safe;

How do we implement Forest school in Reception?

Miss Reynolds (class teacher of Hedgehogs) is our qualified Forest school lead.

She has been teaching Forest school at Windmill for the past 3 years.

We use an area called the Orchard on the school grounds, where we have the space to have fires, make dens and learn wood working skills to name a few.

Each Reception class is taken in 2 week blocks on rotation throughout the year and children are taken in groups of 15, in either a morning or afternoon slot.