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