Forest Schools

Originated in Sweden in the 1950s; Originated in Sweden in the 1950s; Their ethos was adopted by Denmark; Their ethos was adopted by Denmark; The Uk’s first Forest School opened in Bridgwater, Somerset in The Uk’s first Forest School opened in Bridgwater, Somerset in 1995.

Forest Schools Young learners thrive in Forest Schools, particularly: Young learners thrive in Forest Schools, particularly: children from the Foundation Stage to Key Stage One; children from the Foundation Stage to Key Stage One; children with challenging behaviour; children with challenging behaviour; children with specific needs. children with specific needs.

Theories of Outdoor Play Rousseau – importance of children’s interaction with nature; Rousseau – importance of children’s interaction with nature; Froebel – kindergartens or gardens for children; Froebel – kindergartens or gardens for children; McMillan – meaningful play needs time and space; McMillan – meaningful play needs time and space; Isaacs – use outdoor space to develop exploration and enquiry. Isaacs – use outdoor space to develop exploration and enquiry.

“This is the best kind of classroom, It’s a journey through time and space, From the smallest seed to the largest tree, This is a forest and a learning place. This is the best kind of classroom, Where the seasons don’t happen in books. Where the learning is watching and thinking and talking And everyone notices, everyone looks.” From ‘The best Kind of Classroom’ by Ian MacMillan The Best Kind of Classroom