We pride ourselves for providing a Forest School for the children in our setting. Forest School uses hands on learning in an outdoor environment. Children are encouraged to develop their independence and assess their own risk-taking. It improves their decision making, and raises both confidence and self-esteem through small achievable activities. Forest School links to all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
The latest Ofsted inspection commented in its key findings…. “The weekly forest school session provides children with a wealth of opportunities to explore and investigate outdoors. They excitedly hunt for bugs, climb and balance, run around freely, play cooperatively, and learn to use tools safely.”
As we all know, fresh air and exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and assists our children’s physical development. Research has shown that outdoor learning can enhance children’s education across all areas of the curriculum. Not all children have access to outdoor space to play, making Forest School an invaluable facility.
Activities at Forest School include:
- mud painting
- making mud pies
- leaf kebabs
- digging
- bug hunting
- using mallets and stakes
- den building
- making homes for our wild animals (soft toys)
- gathering – in baskets
- rolling in the leaves
- playing hide and seek (1, 2, 3, where are you?)
- much more ….
