Forest School

We love our Forest School sessions at Park Spring!

Forest School sessions currently take place throughout the year in Nursery and Reception. Additionally, years 1, 3 and 5 take part in six week Forest School blocks on a Wednesday afternoon.

Our sessions take place in our lovely woodland area which we take great care of. We follow the Forest School rules of taking care of ourselves, taking care of other people and taking care of the world around us.

Throughout their time at Park Spring, the Forest School curriculum is planned to ensure that our pupils build up their skills in tool use, using fire, campfire cooking, tying knots, identifying plants and animals and woodland / pond management. We ultimately go with the children’s interests, helping to build their confidence and supporting their imaginations.

Forest School sessions are based on Six Principles. The six guiding principles of Forest School that were decided by the UK Forest School Community are listed below:

Principle 1: Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.

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

Principle 3: Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

Principle 4: Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Principle 5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

Principle 6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.