We are excited to announce that we will be launching a programme of Forest School for the children at Nocton Community Primary School with weekly sessions beginning after the Easter holidays. 

What is Forest School?  

In a nutshell, it is a child-led learning process, that takes place outdoors in nature. It develops children’s connections with nature and encourages the holistic growth of the child through long-term, regular sessions. Forest School supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through child-initiated, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.  

What do the children do? 

Because Forest School is child-led, it’s up to the child to choose; however, the sorts of activities that will be offered are den building and erecting shelters, fire lighting with flint and steel and cooking on the fire, using tools and natural materials to make woodland crafts, managing the woodland for wildlife, identifying plants and animals, playing games as a group, or simply relaxing in hammocks whilst reading a book! By connecting children with nature, we will make a positive impact for the children in so many ways including improving their well-being and fostering a love of the natural world to inspire the next generation of environmentalists. 

How is it different to other outdoor learning?  

There are six key principles that shape and govern the Forest School ethos and that set it apart from other types of outdoor learning: 

1. Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review (which is done by the forest school leader) links each session. 

2. Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world. 

3. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning. 

4. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. 

5. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves. 

6. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice. 

 

How can I find out more? 

To find out more about the benefits of Forest School visit www.forestschoolassociation.org 

To find out more about Forest School at Nocton Community Primary School email admin@spiresfederation.co.uk or call 01526 320234. 

 

 

Forest School sessions are each a minimum of 2 hours in duration

Forest School programmes are run for the same core group of participants and, as a minimum, are either: 

• For 24 consecutive weeks (the equivalent of two full school terms) in 1 year, covering 2 seasons, OR 

• For 12 consecutive weeks in each year over 2 years, covering 2 seasons, OR 

• With classes of over 15 students, fortnightly provision across the whole academic year 

In sessions, leaders note key observations for individuals.  The leaders then offer opportunities for learners based on these interests and motivations. 

 

Cycle 1                                                     

A child’s Forest School journey at Nocton Primary School. 

Sessions will take place on a Tuesday 9-11am.