Beeston Primary School

Beeston Primary School

Forest School

What is Forest School?

Forest School was developed from the Scandinavian education system and is about children and young people developing emotionally, socially, physically, and building a range of skills through exploring and experiencing the natural world.  It is a long term program delivered by trained practitioners within a natural environment (not necessarily a forest).  Activities are child initiated and led, they could be anything from building a rope swing to making art from natural materials.  Children are encouraged to use tools (supervised), make their own choices and to take considered risks.  We will provide a safe, secure environment for the children, and to enable them to follow their own interests by providing encouragement, skills, knowledge, equipment and guidance.  At Beeston Primary School we will be sticking as closely as possible to the FS ethos, whilst occasionally providing more structured sessions to deliver outdoor learning and some elements of the National Curriculum.

Skills that can be developed include

  • communication skills
  • responsibility
  • decision making
  • negotiation
  • confidence
  • fine and gross motor skills
  • observation skills
  • imagination
  • resourcefulness
  • resilience
  • persistence
  • cooperative play
  • problem solving
  • imagination
  • leadership
  • respect for and knowledge of the natural environment
  • social skills
  • concentration
  • risk management

What does my child need to bring?

Your child should come to school ready for Forest School, but bring in their normal uniform to change into.

  • sturdy footwear/wellies
  • trousers/top warm enough for the weather (we may get messy, so not your Sunday best)
  • a coat and waterproofs if necessary
  • spare socks
  • hat/scarf/gloves if necessary

Please note that we will run Forest School sessions in all weathers except extreme conditions where safety could be an issue.  So come prepared!

Forest School Gallery