Forest School is a learning approach

based upon a Scandinavian model

of preschool outdoor education.

It follows the six Forest School Principles.

It is a long term process of regular sessions

and has to take place in a woodland site

and be run by a qualified

Forest School practitioner.

We are lucky at Whitnash to have our own

woodland area on our school site where

Forest School sessions take place.

We are also fortunate to have

two trained members of staff.

Mrs Henshaw and Mr Collins are Level 3

qualified Forest School leaders.

Children from Reception to Year 6 will

receive Forest School sessions each year.

At Whitnash we believe in the benefits that

Forest School learning provides and know

that it has a positive impact on our children.

Forest School activities are child initiated

and allow children to explore the woodland

and make choices about their own learning.

The role of the adult is to observe and

support the children’s natural curiosity

and enable them to decide

what they are interested in.

Forest School encourages children to take

controlled risks, play and learn diverse skills.

Activities can include fire cooking,

using Kelly kettles to make warm drinks,

wood craft, tools use, den building,

physical movement activities,

rope and string work

and playing team and group games.

Through these activities children learn skills

and behaviours like perseverance,

resilience, self-esteem, problem solving,

cooperation, independence, creativity,

physical development,

social and communication skills

as well as knowledge

and respect of their environment.

Development of these skills will benefit

our children now and help enable them

to become successful teenagers

and adults in the future.