Forest School is about exploring and experiencing the natural world through practical activities. This will involve children spending quality time outside in all weathers so that they can learn and appreciate all the different elements that the varying seasons and the changes in the natural environment have to offer. These will provide opportunities to stimulate creative thinking, problem solving and skill development through the use of the natural resources on offer along with teaching children how to respect and care for the environment around them.

At King Edward primary school, we have a designated forest school area where groups of children experience regular sessions with our trained practitioner, Mrs Matthews.

The children taking part in forest school sessions are able to immerse themselves in the natural environment, whilst developing key skills such as communication and problem solving.

Children taking part will have the opportunity to take risks, make choices and initiate learning for themselves.

The experiences children will engage with include:

• den building,
• setting up shelters,
• fire lighting,
• cooking,
• using tools,
• investigating natural woodland,
• arts and crafts using natural resources and many more

At King Edward, we believe that all children should have the opportunity to take part in a series of forest school sessions at some point during their time at our school.