Forest School is a child-centred, inspirational learning process that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term programme that supports play, exploration, and risk-taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

Its roots reach back to Scandinavia, where Forest School began. It arrived in the UK in 1993 and has grown from strength to strength since then.

Children taking part in forest school sessions are given an opportunity to participate in activities in a natural setting on a regular basis. The setting provides a safe environment for them to learn and explore. Activities take place throughout the year and in general in all weathers. At Stocksfield Avenue, forest school sessions generally take place within the school grounds. The area is fully fenced and includes a wide variety of habitats, which include a large area of woodland, hedgerows, an orchard, a large allotment, grassland, and a pond.

Forest School is a unique method of outdoor learning. At Stocksfield Avenue Primary School, our aim is to encourage and inspire children through positive outdoor experiences. Children will have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks, and most importantly, to use their own initiative to solve problems and cooperate with others. The children use full-sized tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour (both physical and social), establish and grow in confidence and self-esteem, and become self-motivated.

At Stocksfield Avenue Primary School, the Forest School ethos is deeply rooted in our school values and curriculum drivers such as respect, determination, oracy, creativity, and growth.

Respect is cultivated through interactions with the natural environment and with each other. Children learn to appreciate and care for their surroundings, understanding the importance of preserving nature. This respect extends to their peers as they work together, share tools, and support each other’s learning experiences.

Determination is fostered as children engage in challenging activities that require perseverance and resilience. Whether they are learning to build a shelter, identifying plants, or navigating obstacles, the Forest School environment encourages them to push their limits and develop a strong sense of perseverance.

Oracy, the ability to express oneself fluently and grammatically in speech, is developed through collaborative activities and discussions. Children communicate their ideas, listen to others, and engage in problem-solving conversations. This helps to enhance their language skills and build their confidence in speaking and listening.

Creativity is at the heart of the Forest School approach. The natural setting provides endless opportunities for imaginative play and creative expression. Children create art with natural materials, invent games, and build structures, all of which stimulate their creative thinking and innovation.

Growth, both personal and social, is a fundamental outcome of the Forest School experience. Children grow in self-confidence and self-esteem as they overcome challenges and achieve their goals. They also grow socially as they learn to work as part of a team, developing empathy and cooperation skills.

Through these core values, the Forest School ethos at Stocksfield Avenue Primary School nurtures well-rounded individuals who are prepared to face the world with confidence, creativity, and a deep respect for their environment and community.