



How can Forest School benefit your pupils?
Forest School helps children to develop in so many ways that it should be as much a part of a school's curriculum as art, music and PE. The benefits of being out in nature, playing with their peers, trying new skills, taking new risks and escaping the confines of a classroom build children's social skills, motivation and self-esteem – as well as developing an affinity with the natural environment and learning about nature.
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I believe all schools should offer Forest School to all their children all the time.
I currently work with the Edventure Kids in Orpington who offer flexi-schooled children one day each week in the forest, and Dog Kennel Hill Primary School in SE22 who offer an after-school club to pupils.
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I've tried to answer the most common questions below, but if you have more, please do get in touch.​
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FAQs
Does Forest School have to take place in a forest?
While a more natural setting will bring more opportunities to a Forest School, it is not essential and sessions can take place in a school playground or small park. I can work with schools to identify an appropriate space for Forest School to take place.
Can I book one-off Forest School sessions?
I can offer half- and one-day workshops for school groups to explore nature and Forest School ways. However, for Forest School to bring a real benefit to children, they must experience it for at least six sessions at a time.
How long is a Forest School session?
The minimum amount of time is two hours, and the maximum can be a whole school day.
How many staff are at a session?
The high adult-child ratio is an important aspect of Forest School to allow children to take risks safely. There should never be more than sixteen children in a group and there should always be at least three adults for a group of this size. These can be teachers or teaching assistants or parents alongside the Forest School leader.
Is Forest School accessible for children with additional needs?
Many children who struggle in conventional classrooms thrive in the more free and open setting of a Forest School. There will almost always be a way to make Forest School accessible to any child, depending on what their needs are.
Is there any funding available so my school can offer Forest School?
There are grants that can help schools offer outdoor learning and I am always happy to help schools with these applications.
Can Forest School be used to complement the National Curriculum?
There are many ways that Forest School can enhance subjects that children are working on in class. For example we can make instruments from natural materials when they’re studying sound waves, or colour wheels when they’re studying colour, or we can weave counting into woodland games for those learning their numbers. However, to give children the full benefit of Forest School, no activity is compulsory. For schools who want a more rigid curriculum of outdoor learning, that is also possible, anything can be done, but not everything can be termed Forest School.
What age group can do Forest School?
All ages can enjoy and benefit from Forest School. It is beneficial for development at all stages, but I particularly like to work with children beyond Key Stage 1 when they are starting to lose other opportunities for free play in their daily lives. I work with Primary Schools at the moment, but would be happy to look at working with Secondary Schools too.
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