Forest School
What is Forest School 
Learning Opportunities
Who can get involved?
Why the Wildlife Trust?
Find out more information on the following topics:
- Behaviour Management
- Self-confidence and Self-esteem
- Health and Safety
- Independence
- Staffing
What is Forest School?
- Forest School is a learning programme that takes place in an outdoor classroom, preferably within a woodland, where young people are given access to learning throughout the seasons.
- The programme combines practical skills and activities with techniques to encourage independence, raise self confidence and self esteem and manage behaviour.
- The same group of children attend six sessions, usually at weekly intervals, of about two hours duration, so that they build up their skills as the weeks progress.
- Its cross-curricular approach incorporates Maths, English, Design and Technology, Science, Music and Art and it is a very effective vehicle to learning for those with additional needs.
- Most of the Foundation Stage Curriculum can be covered at Forest School.
Learning Opportunities
- Although lesson plans are prepared and activities link to the National Curriculum throughout the Key Stages, Forest School sessions are essentially child led. This means that as well as having the option to take part in the planned activities, children are able to explore and discover at their own pace.
- An awareness of learning styles and schemas helps to make the programme accessible to a wide audience. Activities include using tools to make things from wood; using natural materials to make shelters and produce art work; lighting a fire with flint and steel and cooking healthy campfire food; and exploring the habitat through minibeast safaris and sensory games.
- The sessions are adapted to suit the client group, the location and the individuals taking part.
