Forest School is a child-led approach to learning that incorporates children’s right to play, to access the outdoor environment and to feel success.

 

Forest School is a unique way of building independence and self-esteem in young children, exposing them to the natural world at a time where it is vital for children to understand their impact on the environment.  It is a child-centred programme that provides the opportunity for the children to use their personal learning style to complete various activities.

Forest School is a chance for the children at Saxon to have new, creative experiences in the outdoor environment in a safe way.  Children will have opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems, negotiate with others and work as a team.

^{Using natural materials to create our own Forest School art.}

Through purposeful and careful planning of Forest School sessions, we strive to increase self-confidence, improve children’s concentration, attendance, behaviour and academic achievement. 

We aim to foster a love and respect for wildlife and the environment through stimulating natural learning experiences, inspiring children to value biodiversity and develop a strong understanding of how to promote environmental sustainability. In small groups of no more than 10, the children will experience a minimum of six consecutive sessions in Forest School in order to immerse themselves in nature and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the flora, fauna and living things that surrounds them in their local environment. The Forest School space is utilised all year round, with sessions adapted to compliment the ever-changing conditions, resources and challenges of the natural world through the seasons.

^{Forest School promotes team work and encourages children to use their own initiative.}

At Saxon, we put the children's needs at the heart of all our provision and Forest School only continues to enhance this ethos. Our Forest School promotes mindfulness, empathy and cultural diversity, ensuring everyone feels valued and that individuality is celebrated. We are highly confident that Forest School provision will not only compliment and extend the curriculum, but also nurture children to become successful lifelong learners and happy, fulfilled adults who can make positive choices about their futures.

Forest School learning experiences create endless opportunities for cross-curricular links to Science, Mathematics, English, History, Geography, PE, RPE and Art.

^{Learning about the flora and fauna which can be found at Forest School}

^{Science in action at Forest School! Creating natural dyes for tie-dying.}

^{Using fine motor skills to make our own Stick people!}