Forest School

This is a new initiative in Lancashire although it has been in operation in other parts of the country for some time. The idea originated in the Scandinavian countries in the 1950s and promotes holistic learning in the outdoor environment. Their philosophy of the Forest School was based upon a desire to provide young children with an education that encouraged appreciation of the wide, natural world and which would encourage responsibility for nature conservation in later life.

Whilst using the outdoor environment children show increased confidence, independence and self-esteem. In addition they develop an ability to assess risks for themselves. Forest School incorporates the government policy ‘Every Child Matters’ covering all five key areas of the guidance.

We have been fortunate enough to be offered government funding to develop a forest school site at Broughton. With this in mind Mrs Sutcliffe is a Forest School Leader. She and two other members of staff take approximately 10 children across to the wooded area on the other side of the playing fields to experience outdoor activities. Since we began the ‘outdoor classroom’ in the wood, staff have noticed the benefits of this kind of learning on the children’s learning and development. Within a safe, secure environment it is possible to encourage the children to move away from close adult interaction and to become more responsible for each other and for themselves

Key characteristics of a forest school are

• A classroom in the woods – a unique educational experience
• The use of a outdoor setting
• A high ratio of adults to pupils.
• Links are made to the Early Years Foundation Stage just as they are indoors
• The freedom to explore using multiple senses
• The same children have regular contact with the same outdoor area to build on ideas.

How children can benefit

• They will experience the outdoor environment
• They will learn the importance of boundaries
• They work with natural materials
• They learn to assess and manage tools appropriately
• They are encourage to look after, respect and appreciate the outdoor environment
• They build on their confidence, independence and self-esteem