Forest School Learning
Alongside delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, we are proud to place a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and building meaningful links within our community. We encourage children to explore the natural world in a safe, fun, and engaging way, helping them to develop new skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Forest School is a child-centred, inspirational approach to learning that supports children’s holistic development through regular, long-term sessions. It promotes play, exploration, and supported risk-taking, helping children to build confidence and self-esteem through hands-on, learner-led experiences in natural environments.
Originally developed in Scandinavia, Forest School is founded on a deep respect for children and young people, recognising their natural curiosity and ability to explore, test ideas, and make sense of the world. It values children’s right to play, to access the outdoors—particularly woodland environments—to experience appropriate risk, and to engage fully with the rich and sometimes challenging realities of nature. Through these experiences, children develop resilience, emotional awareness, and strong social skills.
The Forest School ethos works hand in hand with our ‘In the Moment Planning’ approach. Rather than relying on pre-planned activities, children are given choices and encouraged to lead their own learning, helping them become confident and motivated learners. Our Forest School leaders support this through careful observation, gentle guidance, and by responding to children’s interests as they naturally arise outdoors.
Children take part in a wide range of activities, including den building, stream paddling, wildlife exploration, tool use, hapa-zome eco-printing, and mark-making. These experiences allow children to explore creatively while developing practical skills.
Pre-school children thrive through Forest School learning and arrive full of excitement—often singing all the way on the mini-bus! Each session is designed to be engaging and achievable, supporting the development of key personal, social, and emotional skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and independence.
We also continue to develop strong community partnerships, working with care homes, places of worship, and community-inspired projects to help children build meaningful connections with the world around them.