Forest School

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a long-term outdoor education process that is holistic, and learner led. It allows children to develop themselves through healthy engagement with risk, problem-solving and self-discovery, all within a natural environment in a hands-on and thoughtful manner.

Forest School Ethos and Principles

The vision of Forest School is to enable each participant to have the opportunity to develop themselves in an inquisitive manner and have a positive relationship with the natural world. Forest School places an emphasis on self-reflection, which equips learners with emotional and social skills that can stay with them into adulthood.

Why is it Beneficial for Children to Attend Forest School?

Research has shown that children can benefit in a multitude of ways ranging from confidence to social, emotional, intellectual, physical and language development (Murray & O’Brien, 2005).

Forest School aims to develop:

• Confidence and self-esteem
• Child initiated learning
• Speech, language and social skills
• Physical skills
• Greater understanding of a natural environment
• Healthy lifestyles