What is Forest School?
Forest School provides an enriching experience that supports children to develop their independence, self-esteem, confidence as well as their physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills through hands-on practical experiences in a natural environment. Forest School at Reed First School takes a holistic approach to foster the development of the whole child. Forest School sessions provide opportunities for children to develop their problem-solving and creativity skills. Through a hands-on approach, children are given the time to explore their environment, to make their own discoveries through child-led activities, play, and become knowledgeable about their natural world. Our aim is to develop children’s understanding of the world around them as well as promote positive wellbeing of children in a stimulating outdoor environment.
Beautifully inspiring outdoor learning
In our Forest School sessions at Reed, we encourage the children to:
- Be inquisitive and curious about the world around them
- Be enthusiastic and have a willingness to learn more
- Develop personal and social skills
- Use their imagination during child-led play
- Use tools to create, make and manage their environment
- Make their own discoveries
- Develop practical skills
- Be resilient by working through challenges and solving problems
- Develop their communication skills
- Reflect on their experiences and learning
- Be passionate about wildlife and their environment
- Improve their physical motor skills
- Explore their world by using their senses
- Take appropriate risks
- Work effectively in groups (teamwork) and on their own (being independent)
Clothing:
On Forest School days (which is every Friday), the children come to school in their full PE kit. It is important your child is appropriately dressed for Forest School, based on the weather conditions for that day. Please find below a list of items that are essential and some of which are dependent on the day/time of year:
- Reed First School Coat
- Wellington boots
- Waterproof trousers (over the top of their PE trousers)
- Warm hat (preferably covering ears)
- Warm gloves (preferably more than one pair)
- Sunhat and suncream
Forest School Curriculum Map:
