We are delighted to have launched our Forest School programme, starting with our Reception class!   

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 🌿 What is Forest school?

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

 

  🌿Core Principles

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The core principles of Forest School are based on a child-centred, holistic approach to learning that takes place in natural environments. These principles are set by the Forest School Association (FSA) in the UK and are widely used internationally as the foundation for good practice.

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         Regular and Long-Term Sessions :Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions (not a one-off activity). It provides children with time to    build familiarity, confidence, and independence in the natural setting.

       Takes Place in a Natural Setting: Forest School happens in a natural or woodland environment. The setting is key, offering space and sensory experiences that support children's wellbeing, creativity, and exploration.

        Supports Holistic Development : It aims to support the whole child—social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development. It’s not just about skills, but about growing as confident, resilient, and curious learners.

       Child-Led and Play-Based Forest School encourages learner-led experiences through play, exploration, and supported risk-taking. Children are trusted to make choices, take initiative, and lead their own learning journeys

Run by Qualified Forest School Practitioners: Sessions are led by qualified Forest School leaders, who are trained to manage risk, support development, and facilitate rich, meaningful outdoor experiences.

       Promotes Risk-Taking and Safe Boundaries: Children are supported in taking appropriate risks to build confidence and practical skills. Activities like climbing, tool use, and fire-lighting are introduced safely and progressively.

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🌿 Benefits of Forest School

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Builds Confidence and Independence: Children learn to take initiative, solve problems, and make decisions.Activities like climbing, building, or           using tools help develop self-trust and resilience.

Supports Emotional Wellbeing: Time in nature has a calming effect and reduces stress. The freedom to explore at their own pace boosts self-esteem       and emotional regulation.

 Develops Social Skills: Working in teams (e.g., building dens or creating nature art) strengthens communication, cooperation, and                empathy. Mixed-ability groups encourage inclusion and peer learning.

Encourages Physical Activity: Climbing, balancing, digging, and running all support gross and fine motor skills.Engaging with natural materials    builds coordination and strength in a fun way.

Promotes Curiosity and Creativity: Open-ended, nature-based play sparks imagination and exploration. Children learn to observe, ask questions, and think creatively.

Fosters a Love of Nature: Regular outdoor experiences help children build a lifelong respect for the environment and an understanding of sustainability.

Enhances Learning Across the Curriculum: Links to science (life cycles, weather, habitats), maths (measuring, pattern), literacy (storytelling, descriptive language), and art (natural materials and design).

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🌿 What will Forest school look like at Queensbridge?

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To make the sessions small and focused, our 60 children will be split into four groups of 15. Each group will have 12 sessions across the year, with four weekly sessions each term. 

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     Where will Forest School will take place ?

• London Fields Woodland Area – a wonderful local green space perfect for woodland adventures

• Queensbridge School Grounds – we are redeveloping a dedicated outdoor Forest School area on-site for ongoing nature-based learning

 

      What will we be doing in Forest school?

• Learning about animal habitats and local wildlife

• Building dens and shelters with natural materials

• Whittling and using simple tools safely

• Making natural paint and colouring fabrics with berries, leaves, and flowers

• Identifying and learning about local trees and plants

• Playing games and telling stories

• Mud kitchen and sensory play

• Nature scavenger hunt

• Bird watching and nest building

• Planting bulbs, watering plants, or tidying up the area to foster responsibility for nature.

• Bug hunting

• Leaf Printing and Rubbings

• Exploring Weather and Seasons

• Nature Yoga and Mindfulness

• and more

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     Will my child experience Forest school in KS1 and KS2?

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Yes! We are hoping to expand our Forest School programme beyond Reception. Our goal is to offer regular outdoor Forest School sessions for children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in the future, giving them ongoing opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with nature throughout their time at school.

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