What is Forest School? . . .
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Based on a Scandinavian idea, it involves children and young people (3 – 18) working with a qualified Forest School Leader and their nursery leader/teacher on a frequent and regular basis throughout the year in a local woodland setting.
They follow their usual curriculum, but in an outdoor context, using learning and teaching strategies which raise self-esteem, develop confidence, independence and language and communication skills. The Forest School leader works with the school/setting staff to carry themes looked at in the classroom into the woodland. The Forest School sessions are not an 'add-on' but part of the children's learning experiences, part of their school week.
Forest School is growing nationally as well. Other notable counties embracing Forest School are Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset with more establishing all over the country. Wales has an umbrella group (Forest School Wales), supported by the Welsh Assembly. To find out more about Forest School nationally, follow the link to the Forest Education Initiative (FEI).