At Woodside, we pride ourselves in being able to offer Forest School opportunities to every child. Forest School is a unique educational approach that uses the natural environment and our school woodland as a classroom to foster learning and development in our pupils. It encourages hands-on learning, risk-taking, and the development of self-esteem, confidence, and independence. 

Key Principles and Practices: 

• Child-centred learning:

Forest School prioritises the child's interests and curiosity, allowing them to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace. 

• Holistic development:

It aims to nurture the child's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth through engaging with nature. 

• Risk-taking:

Forest School encourages supported risk-taking, allowing children to develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and confidence in overcoming challenges. 

• Learner-inspired:

Activities are often designed to be flexible and responsive to the children's interests and ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement. 

• Focus on play:

Play is a central element of Forest School, allowing children to explore, experiment, and learn through imaginative and creative play. 

• Use of natural materials:

Children utilise natural materials for various activities like building shelters, creating art, and learning about the environment. 

• Skills

In each session, we offer a skills- based segment, where children are taught to use tools or develop their skills, for example lighting a spark with a flint and steel, whittling, sculpting with clay and cooking on the fire.

• Qualified practitioners:

Or Forest School is led by our own school staff- Mrs Fox and Mrs Harrison- who are level 3 qualified in Forest School delivery.

Benefits of Forest School: 

• Increased self-esteem and confidence:

By successfully completing tasks and overcoming challenges, children build a strong sense of self-belief. 

• Improved social and emotional skills:

Collaborative activities and interactions with peers in the natural environment foster teamwork, communication, and emotional awareness. 

• Enhanced physical development:

Climbing trees, building shelters, and engaging in various outdoor activities promote physical strength, coordination, and gross motor skills. 

• Greater appreciation for nature:

Spending regular time in the outdoors fosters a love and respect for the natural world, encouraging environmentally conscious behaviour. 

• Development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills:

Encountering challenges in the natural environment encourages children to think creatively, assess risks, and find solutions. 

• Improved focus and concentration:

Being in a stimulating and engaging outdoor environment can help children improve their attention span and concentration skills.