Forest School at Hathern
What is the Forest School approach?
The Forest School ethos developed in Scandinavia for pre-school children in the 1950's and since the mid 1990's has become increasingly popular here in the UK. It is a concept that takes a long term sustained approach to outdoor learning. Forest Schools seek to encourage, motivate, engage and inspire children through positive outdoor experiences.
Research in Sweden found and concluded that pre-school children in a forest school setting were more balanced, with greater social capability; they had fewer days off sick; were more able to concentrate and had better co-ordination. They played for a longer time, with less annoyance or interruption of each other compared to children in the city. Children attending Forest School pre-schools were arriving at school with stronger social skills and a greater ability to work in groups. Generally the children had high self-esteem and confidence in their own capabilities. This was concluded as being as a consequence of being in a pleasant, natural, fun and less stressful environment.
We run Forest School at Hathern using our Forest School area, Nature Garden and the extensive school grounds. The children explore these exciting environments every month throughout the year, come rain or shine. We also take advantage of the generosity of Grace Dieu Manor School who allow us to use their established woodland, stream and outdoor classroom to enhance our provision for our older children.
At present, our Foundation Stage children take part in a Forest School session each week and there are plans to extend this provision across the school.
Research in Sweden found and concluded that pre-school children in a forest school setting were more balanced, with greater social capability; they had fewer days off sick; were more able to concentrate and had better co-ordination. They played for a longer time, with less annoyance or interruption of each other compared to children in the city. Children attending Forest School pre-schools were arriving at school with stronger social skills and a greater ability to work in groups. Generally the children had high self-esteem and confidence in their own capabilities. This was concluded as being as a consequence of being in a pleasant, natural, fun and less stressful environment.
We run Forest School at Hathern using our Forest School area, Nature Garden and the extensive school grounds. The children explore these exciting environments every month throughout the year, come rain or shine. We also take advantage of the generosity of Grace Dieu Manor School who allow us to use their established woodland, stream and outdoor classroom to enhance our provision for our older children.
At present, our Foundation Stage children take part in a Forest School session each week and there are plans to extend this provision across the school.
How does it enhance learning?
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“Effective play enables children to explore and create rules and understandings; develop resilience; be active; be creative and imaginative; practice new skills; learn about risks; stimulate their senses and build friendships and relationships. Play can contribute immensely to children’s enjoyment of childhood, offering a place of sanctuary and also providing a therapeutic function by helping them to deal with emotional circumstances and issues that can occur in their lives.” |