Forest School East Bergholt Primary 2016 Clair Rochester Forest School Leader

Where did Forest School come from? Originated in Scandinavia in 1950’s In 1980’s embedded firmly into Denmark's early years education due to evidence based practice into its benefits. Introduced in Britain in 1995 and has now become valued within educational settings.

What is Forest School and what will the children do? Children learn about wildlife and are inspired by nature by visiting the same woodland over a period of time. It encourages curiosity, respect, understanding and love for the natural world and our relationship with it. It’s a multi-sensory, experiential, hands–on and child–led exploration and engagement with woodland resources. Children problem solve and use their imaginations. Working alone, in pairs or groups, developing communication and social skills. Making things, nature art, exploring, climbing, inventing, discovering, creating. Use of stories, games, songs etc. Forest School practitioners ensure safe boundaries and a containing structure with clear beginnings and endings. “Children need nature for the healthy development of their senses, and, therefore, for learning and creativity.” Louv (2005)

Forest School promotes

Forest School supports Holistic development

Forest School Ethos Forest School ethos supports the national curriculum “It is not only about what we learn, but how and where we learn…” DCSF It makes learning fun, supporting the children’s interests, encouraging a love of learning. Nurtures a greater connection with the natural world and where our resources come from. We focus on the process, rather than the end result – tasks are open to exploration and encompass different learning styles. Supports holistic development, supporting self confidence, self esteem, independence, creativity, resilience and social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills. Being in nature promotes well being - happier, healthier children are more open to exploring their world and problem solving challenges in positive ways.

Forest School ‘base camp’

Making Forest School crowns - Year R

Making Dens

Creativity

Natures Playground

Activities may include: Making and creating using tools Mini beasts and scavenger hunting Creative Art & Crafts using natural materials Den and shelter building Fire making and cooking on fire Fun games using natural resources Story telling and music Sensory activities

Where are we going and when? Private woods (Lady Anne Wake Walker) short walk from EB Primary School 9.10am-11.50am Session 1) Year R Friday 10 th June INTRODUCTORY SESSION Session 2) Year R – Friday 17 th June Session 3) Year R – Friday 24 th June Session 4) Year R – Friday 1 st July Session 5 and 6) Year R – Friday 8 th July ALL DAY 9.10AM – 3.15pm, includes camp fire cooking and visit to see Lady Anne

Forest School in all weathers Scandinavian saying: “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Value in children experiencing different weathers, giving a sensory connection to the outside world & adapting to the elements. A session will be cancelled only if high winds or thunder storms.

What to wear? Old clothes and trousers Socks and Wellies Sunhat and Sunscreen for hot weather Waterproofs Water bottle

Health and Safety We risk assess the wood and activities prior to each sessions. Forest School practitioners are DRB checked and first aid trained. Boundaries and natural hazards within the woods are discussed with children. Good hygiene ensured. First Aid Kit available.

How we think about risk? If we can manage risk safely, children can grow in confidence, relying on their own judgements and ability to solve problems. Give children opportunity to take reasonable, supervised risks. They may then be less likely to take ‘unreasonable risks’ through out life.

Respecting the wood Conserve nature – do not pick live plants or flowers. As much as we can, leave the site as we find it. Insects to be handled carefully and put back in the woods. Identify any specific areas we need to avoid to protect species, such as nests. We will discuss with the children the impact we are having on the woods and will encourage them to come up with ways to reduce these impacts.

Parent helpers needed!!! Even better if you can help every week! Please talk to class teacher or school office.

How can you help on Forest Schools? Sessions Fridays 9.10am – 11.50am Supervise and assist a small group of children and general assistance. Assist with walking to and from school. Encourage children to develop their own interests, ideas and ways of learning. Support health and safety. Enjoy!

If your child likes being outdoors and nature, they’ll love Forest School! Why not book onto this summer club. This will be the third forest school summer club and this year we’ll be in Lady Anne’s woods. Two full days of fun nature activities, play, games and campfire cooking. Unaccompanied primary school aged children. Cost is £60 for the 2 days. Run by Forest school leaders Clair Rochester and Rosie Lowdell, first aid trained and DBS checked. Only 10 places available, so book soon! Please Clair for further details: or Forest School Summer Club Monday 15 th & Tuesday 16 th August am – 4pm