The Magic of Forest School at William Harding 

Originally a Scandinavian idea, forest schools operate on the principle that children of all ages can benefit greatly from the hands-on learning opportunities inherently present in a woodland environment. In an age when many children have few opportunities to be outdoors, it offers them a way to learn and experience a broad curriculum in a wood-land setting, with regular visits throughout the year. 

“The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky.” 
Margaret McMillan 

The importance of Outdoor learning 

Daily access to the outdoors when in an Early Years setting is a statutory requirement for all children. But it is not just essential for children in the Early Years it is essential for ALL children and adults. 

Outdoor learning/play is a critical component of good provision and must be encouraged. It is essential for the healthy development of all young children. 

Learning outside offers opportunities to build on and extend, skills taught and acquired inside. It also offers the chance to take on new challenges and risks and to investigate in a different way. The physical freedom of learning outside through climbing, exploring, running, jumping and balancing supports development of the young child’s body towards the finer movements that will be required for such skills as writing. Experiencing the weather, searching for insects, climbing a tree or working on a large scale is learning 

Forest School is an inspirational process that involves: 

  • child initiated learning; 

  • being outdoors; 

  • integration with the National Curriculum; 

  • time for children to explore, learn and investigate; 

  • fun, imagination and creativity; 

  • using only the natural resources around us 

Forest School helps to develop: 

  • confidence and self-esteem; 

  • communication and social skills; 

  • physical skills; 

  • greater understanding and 

  • awareness of the natural 

  • environment; 

  • natural motivation and a positive attitude to learning; 

  • creativity and imagination; 

  • team skills; 

  • the ability to recognise and manage risk; and 

  • healthier lifestyles 

Why is Forest School such a great opportunity for your children? 

  • It is proven from research that learning that takes place in the outdoors is much more powerful and memorable as all the senses are involved. 

  • Forest Schools develop children through a child led approach. 

  • Children are taught how to assess risks for themselves. 

  • Children are able to develop their speech, language, social skills and empathy. 

  • They learn to respect and appreciate the countryside. 

What will happen during a Forest School session? 

  • The sessions will be run at our Forest School site within the school grounds. 

  • The sessions will be run by a qualified Forest School Leader and supporting members of WH staff. 

  • The Forest School sessions will follow a routine that the children will soon become familiar with, including a group discussion, activity and explore in the woodland, hot chocolate and a final get together for reflection time before the end of the session. 

What to wear? 

  • Boots – Walking boots or Wellington boots. Plastic wellies and several pairs of socks are a good idea if the weather is cold. 

  • Long trousers – both in Summer and Winter, to keep warm and to protect from scratches, bites and sunburn. 

  • Long sleeved top – both in Summer and Winter, to keep warm and to protect from scratches, bites and sunburn. 

  • Layers of clothing appropriate to the temperature and the season – in Winter the children will need at least three layers to keep warm. Example: long johns, trousers and the waterproof dungarees work well for their bottom half, and for the top half, a base layer, fleece, long sleeved top and waterproof jacket is a good mix. It is best to avoid cotton next to the skin as it absorbs water rather than wicking it away from the skin. 

  • Hat (for sun or warmth depending on the season) and waterproof gloves. 

  • Waterproofs: A waterproof coat and trousers would be brilliant 

  • Please ensure that all items of clothing and footwear are clearly labelled 

These should be old clothes or clothes that parents/carers do not mind getting dirty. They will get dirty. 

William Harding Forest School Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement 

Intent 

At William Harding, our intent is to implement a Forest School that provides all our students with immersive outdoor learning experiences that foster holistic development, a deep connection with nature and a range of transferable skills that will help them on their lifelong learning journey. Through Forest School, we aim to cultivate curiosity, resilience, and a sense of belonging within our students while instilling a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. 

Implementation 

Forest School will be integrated into our curriculum as a regular component of all pupils’ learning experiences on their learning journey at William Harding. Sessions will be led by a trained Forest School practitioner and all students will experience hands-on activities, conducted in our designated outdoor learning area. Sessions will be tailored to all students' developmental stages and academic needs including those with Special Educational Needs or those in receipt of the Pupil Premium Grant, ensuring alignment with curriculum objectives while promoting experiential learning in a natural setting following a clear progression of skills from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Year 6. 

Skills covered include; 

  • Shelter Building 

  • Geographical Skills & Navigation – Linked to our Geography curriculum 

  • Play & Exploring 

  • Using Tools 

  • Knots 

  • Using Fire for Cooking 

Health and Safety procedures/policies, risk assessments, and appropriate supervision will be followed to ensure the well-being of all participants. 

Impact 

The Forest School curriculum at William Harding is anticipated to have a profound impact on all our pupils and the wider school community. By engaging in regular outdoor experiences, students will develop essential life skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, and self-confidence, which will positively influence their academic achievement and personal growth. Additionally, students will gain a deeper understanding of the environment, empowering them to become responsible global citizens of the future. This will foster a strong sense of community, creating a supportive learning environment that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity. Ultimately, the Forest School will enrich the educational experience of all pupils at William Harding, nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.