Middleton Forest School

Middleton Forest School Nature on our doorstep!

Welcome to Forest School Our woodland area will provide a safe and stimulating environment for your child to learn new skills.

What is Forest School ? Forest school is an outdoor learning scheme which encourages children to build self-esteem and confidence. These skills can be transferred into everyday life. Each session contains activities and tasks that are both challenging and creative. New skills will be learnt and built up over time. The children will be encouraged to reflect upon activities and their role in tasks undertaken.

Using the talking stick to reflect

The Development of Forest Schools Forest School is based on a rich heritage of outdoor learning going back to at least the 19th century. Philosophers, educationalists & naturalists in Europe & the UK laid the foundations. UK development started in the 1990’s following a visit to Denmark to observe ‘skogsbornehaven’ (woodland kindergartens)

Where does Forest School take place? Forest school will take place in our woodland area adjacent to the car park. The woodland will be transformed into an imaginary forest far away full of magic and excitement!

What are we learning? Each session will include games and challenges. The children will learn to value themselves and each other whilst enhancing language skills, collaborative play and problem solving skills. Practical skills will involve the use of wood working tools. The children will be taught how to use them safely and correctly to make a selection of items using resources from nature. (All tools and safety equipment will be supplied by school.)

Games, activities & skills

Examples of items made using tools

When does forest School take place? This term Forest School will take place on Thursday afternoons from 1pm -3pm. Who is involved? Mrs Bowle and Mrs Hadfield.

Safety, fire, food and hygiene? A strict safety policy will be adhered to by all adults and children onsite. A kelly kettle and a portable fire pit will be used on site. There will be a break time in the forest with a snack and a drink provided. Anti-bacterial wipes and a first aid kit will be on site at all times.

A Kelly kettle in action

What will my child need? Forest school will take place during most weathers. Your child will need outdoor clothing:- Rain coat / waterproof trousers. Wellington/walking boots. (Thermal socks are useful in Winter) Hat/gloves/warm jumper. Dry socks. Sun hat /cream in summer.

Forest School leaders Forest school leaders have studied and passed a nationally recognised NCFE qualification. This includes risk assessment and first aid policies and procedures. The qualification includes the safe use of fire and tools for outdoor learning. Volunteers are welcome at our sessions. If you are interested please contact Mrs Bowle. More information can be found at www.forestschools.com

Summary Stimulating environment Challenging & creative Builds self esteem & confidence Encourages empathy, trust & teamwork Transferable skills into everyday life Uses a variety of learning styles which encourages dynamic learning FUN