Forest School

Forest School

Embedded in the ethos of Forest School is a respect for children and young people and their natural curiosity to investigate, play and explore the world around them. Forest School supports children’s right to play, access to the outdoors and in particular a woodland environment.

At Appleshaw St Peter’s C of E Primary School, the aim of Forest School is to develop collaboration and cooperation between children, self-esteem, confidence and practical skills. It can also provide a time during which children can develop significant relationships with known adults in a familiar environment away from the classroom.

We currently aim to offer Forest School to every class in rotation for two hours a week for six sessions over the school year. The Forest School leader aims to create a stimulating and rich environment for the sessions to take place. All leaders of Forest School are Forest School trained and have completed the training and assessment from the Forest School Association (FSE). Leaders fully comply with the agreed safety regulations when leading a session.

We aim to teach children about caring for the environment through a range of activities. A Site Survey and Ecological Impact Assessment has been created with a three year management plan and will be reviewed yearly. A woodland area is central in supporting this approach to learning, from the changing seasons, to the contemplation of an ancient tree, and access to an infinite range of smells, textures, sounds, sights, and tastes.