Forest School

Requirement:

EYFS 2024 > Learning & Development Considerations > 1.12

EYFS 2024 > Qualifications, training, support & skills > 3.23

EYFS 2024 > Safety of premises > 3.64; 3.65

Forest School is a unique method of outdoor education that allows children to develop confidence, independence, self-esteem and awareness and knowledge of the natural environment.

Procedure (how we put the policy into practice)

Forest School is a child centred and child led programme that provides the opportunity for the children to use their personal learning style to complete their chosen tasks.

All activities in our Forest School are small achievable tasks so the child is never put in a position where he/she will fail.

The aims of our activities are:

•    To provide children with experiences that encourages an appreciation, awareness and knowledge of the natural environment
•    To learn to respect and care for their own local environment
•    To abide by rules and set standards of behaviour, to work cooperatively in groups and to respect each other
•    Develop children’s self-esteem and self-confidence through the setting of small achievable tasks

One of the principles of Forest School is to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainability. The children are taught about respect and responsibility for the world around them. Both the children and adults are encouraged to respect their environment and to be aware of conservation issues of the natural area around them.

The very nature of Forest School activities means that there will be some small risks that children are exposed to. Whilst we will do as much as possible to ensure safe environment for your child to play and learn in, accidents can happen. We want children to develop responsibility for themselves and others. It will encourage early risk management strategies that will ensure that young children start to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and on others.

A site risk assessment will be carried out and a copy kept in our files. We will also ensure that at least one member staff is present who holds a currentForest School First Aid certificate.

Some common risk areas include:

Open fires - a valuable part of the Forest School experience
•    Sensory activities
•    Minibeasts hunting
•    Shelter building
•    Using various tools – we always start with a tool talk to explain safe use
•    Campfire activities (such as cooking)

It is critical that parents understand the nature of Forest School activities and the associated risks.

Review date: 31 December 2025