What might the children do?
Over the course of 6 weeks the children MAY: build dens; go on scavenger hunts; climb trees; make rope swings; use a variety of tools; light fires and cook on them. Not all children will do everything, judgements will be made on the appropriateness of tools and fires depending on the groups.
Forest School introduces the children to risks they may otherwise not experience, they will use their own judgements (within set boundaries and expectations) about what they can and cannot do. It is a holistic approach, giving them experiences which help them grow. Following on from my own training, I am really looking forward to getting every child out into our forest school over the course of the year.
For some children, Forest School is incredibly exciting and they enjoy every aspect. For others, being asked to pick up things off the ground or getting dirty can be a challenge all on its own. Each child will learn to evaluate their own risks, likes and dislikes and hopefully, push themselves out of their comfort zone trying something new.
Please talk to your child about what they did, let them explain the process as much as the “attainment”. Their den may have fallen down lots of times, but they will have developed resilience, perseverance, team building skills, communication, problem solving skills and respect and curiosity - all over “playing” at building a den.
Each year group (a maximum of 15 children) will spend approximately 6 weeks in our Forest School with the leader and at least one supporting adult. Every year group will get this opportunity, some may have to wait a little longer than others. Reception year will have Forest School weekly starting after October half term.
When will my child have their time?
- Year 2 September 17th – October 22nd
- Year 4 November 5th – December 10th
- Year 3 January 7th – February 11th
- Year 5 February 25th – April 15th
- Year 1 April 22nd – June 3rd
- Year 6 June 10th – July 15th
What will the children need?
As Alfred Wainwright said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Forest School will happen regardless of the weather, so it is vital that your child has suitable clothing for the time of year.
ALL children will need long sleeved tops and long trousers (regardless of heat) as these protect the legs and arms a little from thorns and scratches. All children also need in school complete waterproofs, tops and trousers, and wellies. If the weather is very warm they will need sunhats and sun cream already applied. If the weather is cold they will need lots of warm layers and thick socks (wellies are not well insulated). PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING!
Children should arrive in school in their forest school kit but have their uniform in a bag to change into afterwards (dry socks and pants too please in case we get wet sitting on the ground).
