What is Forest School?

 

“Forest School is an inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence through hands on learning in a woodland environment.” (Definition by Forest School England Network)

 

Forest School incorporates regular outdoor learning experiences over a significant amount of time into normal school life. Children spend a morning, an afternoon or even a whole day per week in a woodland setting. Research shows that benefits really accrue when a child has attended a minimum of 10 sessions, which can be carried out at any time of year throughout the seasons.

 

Forest School groups are small (ideally 15 children or half a class – less if emotional, behavioural and/or learning difficulties exist) with a high ratio of adults. This allows the children to take small risks and engage in challenging activities without becoming exposed to undue risk of harm and encourages child-led learning, providing them with the time and opportunities for active learning and to develop at their own pace and in their own learning style. Learning becomes fun and builds on natural interests and curiosities.