Forest School

Forest Schools aim to encourage and inspire through positive outdoor experiences. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in an outdoor environment children have the opportunity to develop a range of skills through play. They are also able to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Forest School runs throughout the year, in all weathers. Children use full sized tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, establish and grow in confidence, self-esteem and become self-motivated.

Forest Schools will aim to develop:

  • Self Awareness
  • Self Regulation
  • Intrinsic motivation
  • Empathy
  • Good social communication skills
  • Independence
  • A positive mental attitude, self-esteem and confidence

Our forest school, based in the school grounds and at the local West Reservoir, also grows some of its own plants, as well as being home to guinea pigs and rabbits. Children from across the school, but especially in early years, are invited to interact with the animals, learn how to look after them and find out how animals live and behave. We also hosts annual visits from the Dogs Trust and animal conservation charities to introduce us to some of the animals that we can't keep in school.