An introduction toAn introduction toForest SchoolsForest SchoolsBringing Forest Schools to Prenton.Bringing Forest Schools to Prenton.

What is Forest Schools?What is Forest Schools?

Unique outdoor educational experience.Unique outdoor educational experience. An opportunity to learn outside of the An opportunity to learn outside of the

classroom.classroom. A chance to develop a wide range of A chance to develop a wide range of

skills.skills. Ultimate active learning environment.Ultimate active learning environment. FUN!FUN!

History of Forest SchoolsHistory of Forest Schools

The original concept was implemented in The original concept was implemented in Sweden in 1950’s and was developed Sweden in 1950’s and was developed throughout other Scandinavian and European throughout other Scandinavian and European countries.countries.

Forest Schools was first implemented in the UK Forest Schools was first implemented in the UK in the 1990’s within a Nursery setting in in the 1990’s within a Nursery setting in Somerset. Somerset.

Forest Schools can now be found throughout Forest Schools can now be found throughout Britain (approx 140 by 2006.)Britain (approx 140 by 2006.)

Philosophy of Forest Philosophy of Forest SchoolsSchools

To promote independent learning.To promote independent learning. Encourage and inspire.Encourage and inspire. Raise self-confidence and self-Raise self-confidence and self-

awarenessawareness

This is achieved throughThis is achieved through

- Small achievable tasksSmall achievable tasks

- Child led learningChild led learning

Active learningActive learning

Children learn best when they have a rich Children learn best when they have a rich variety of learning options that allows variety of learning options that allows them to use the full range of senses and them to use the full range of senses and exercise their preferred learning style.exercise their preferred learning style.

Learning is a participatory sport, not for Learning is a participatory sport, not for spectators!spectators!

The ForestThe Forest

Own Forest area on school site.Own Forest area on school site. Private and secure.Private and secure. Established woodland with possibility for Established woodland with possibility for

further development.further development. Freely accessible from school building.Freely accessible from school building.

Why learn outside?Why learn outside?

The best kind of classroom.The best kind of classroom.

This is the best kind of classroom,This is the best kind of classroom,No walls, just sky and trees.No walls, just sky and trees.

This is the best kind of classroom,This is the best kind of classroom,No radiators, just a gentle breeze.No radiators, just a gentle breeze.This is the best kind of classroom,This is the best kind of classroom,

It’s a journey through time and space.It’s a journey through time and space.From the smallest seed to the largest tree,From the smallest seed to the largest tree,

This is a forest learning space.This is a forest learning space.This is the best kind of classroom,This is the best kind of classroom,

Where the seasons don’t happen in books.Where the seasons don’t happen in books.Where the learning is watching and thinking and talking,Where the learning is watching and thinking and talking,

And everyone notices, everyone looks. And everyone notices, everyone looks. (Ian MacMillan)(Ian MacMillan)

A typical session.A typical session.

Preparation!Preparation! Walk to the Forest AreaWalk to the Forest Area Gather in the fire pit area, welcome and Gather in the fire pit area, welcome and

reminder of health and safety issues.reminder of health and safety issues. Activity- adult directedActivity- adult directed Refreshment breakRefreshment break Activity- child ledActivity- child led GameGame Circle time; review and reflection.Circle time; review and reflection. Return to school; wash!Return to school; wash!

An example of activitiesAn example of activities

Hide and seekHide and seek Making dens/ sheltersMaking dens/ shelters Exploring wildlifeExploring wildlife Treasure huntsTreasure hunts Climbing treesClimbing trees Searching for ‘Little friends’Searching for ‘Little friends’ Mud playMud play

How does Forest School How does Forest School benefit children?benefit children?

Ownership of their learningOwnership of their learning ConfidenceConfidence Develops independenceDevelops independence Critical thinking and problem solvingCritical thinking and problem solving ImaginationImagination Social skillsSocial skills Team workTeam work LeadershipLeadership Communication…Communication…

Ofsted’s viewOfsted’s view

““Involvement in the Forest School project Involvement in the Forest School project makes a magical contribution to makes a magical contribution to children’s development.”children’s development.”

(Nayland School, Suffolk)(Nayland School, Suffolk)

OrganisationOrganisation

All Year 3 children will take part in a All Year 3 children will take part in a course of 6 Forest School sessions.course of 6 Forest School sessions.

Sessions will take place on Friday Sessions will take place on Friday afternoon.afternoon.

You will be informed of the dates prior to You will be informed of the dates prior to the start of the course of sessions.the start of the course of sessions.

Consent form to be completed please. Consent form to be completed please.

Organisation continuedOrganisation continued

Groups consist of 12 children.Groups consist of 12 children. Session led by me… Mrs HarrisonSession led by me… Mrs Harrison Supported by Mrs Jones.Supported by Mrs Jones. Sessions last for approx 2 hours.Sessions last for approx 2 hours. Wet weather clothes provided; jacket and Wet weather clothes provided; jacket and

over trousers.over trousers.

What happens if its What happens if its raining?raining?

We go out!We go out! Forest Schools can be completed within Forest Schools can be completed within

all weathers… in the correct clothing.all weathers… in the correct clothing. The only conditions that would stop a The only conditions that would stop a

session is very high wind or storms.session is very high wind or storms. School staff monitor a detailed weather School staff monitor a detailed weather

report prior to session commencing.report prior to session commencing.

What does my child What does my child need?need?

A change of clothing e.g. old tracksuitA change of clothing e.g. old tracksuit Extra layers e.g. fleece/ old coat.Extra layers e.g. fleece/ old coat. Hat, scarf, gloves, warm socks.Hat, scarf, gloves, warm socks. Wellies (if possible)Wellies (if possible) Suncream (summer months)Suncream (summer months)

Completed consent form with allergy Completed consent form with allergy information.information.

My qualificationMy qualification

Forest Schools OCN Level 3Forest Schools OCN Level 3 16 hour Forest School First Aid Course.16 hour Forest School First Aid Course.

Many thanks to the HSA for their support.Many thanks to the HSA for their support.

Health and SafetyHealth and Safety

Paramount importanceParamount importance Risk assessments in place.Risk assessments in place. Daily assessments completed.Daily assessments completed. Consent forms checked.Consent forms checked. First aid kit takenFirst aid kit taken In contact with SchoolIn contact with School

How to prepare your How to prepare your child.child.

Talk about what they might like to Talk about what they might like to achieve.achieve.

Think about any extra kit they may need.Think about any extra kit they may need. Visit to local park.Visit to local park. Positive encouragement.Positive encouragement. Be supportive.Be supportive. Expect some mud!Expect some mud!

Your turn!Your turn!

You are invited to attend the final session You are invited to attend the final session of your child’s Forest School adventure.of your child’s Forest School adventure.

Enjoy a campfire with your child.Enjoy a campfire with your child. Can be any adult.Can be any adult. Come prepared!Come prepared! Date provided within information leaflet.Date provided within information leaflet.