Children will have positive outdoor experiences in a natural setting. They will be resilient, confident and independent. They will be motivated, cooperative decision-makers with excellent social skills. They will have an understanding and empathy for the natural world.

Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.

(Thomas Berry)

Implementation

We support the six principles of Forest School, which were agreed by the UK Forest School community in 2011 and we use these to underpin our planning and provision of Forest School at our School.

1. Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
2. Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously   maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

Forest School Handbook

 /docs/Forest_School/Forest-School-Handbook_and_Policy.pdf