What is a Forest School?
A Forest School is an area of woodland, meadow or part of school grounds that can be used as an outdoor classroom. It is a natural area that allows children to explore, discover and investigate their outdoor environment, build dens, make mobiles and picture frames using natural resources the list is endless.
The history
Forest schools originates from Sweden in the 1950’s, where it still continues today.
It came over to Britain in the mid 90’s when two nursery nurses from Somerset brought the ethos over after spending time at a Danish nursery.
The 1990’s emphasised the importance of outdoor learning, play and looking at a child’s all round holistic development
There is a strong belief that nature and movement are essential to a child’s development and overall wellbeing.
The aim is to support children’s social, physical and learning skills whilst they learn how to appreciate and respect the environment they live in.
Forest School Ethos
Forest Schools provide an encouraging, inspiring environment where children can learn using all their senses to explore and investigate the world around them where they can grow in self esteem, worth, independence and confidence.
“The adults role is to be a positive role model to the children and to observe their learning which can then be developed further.” (Vygotsky ZPD)
