Walton On Trent C of E Primary and Nursery School
Living | Learning | Laughing
Forest School
Not all classrooms have four walls.
Here at Walton, we have three qualified Level 3 Forest School Practitioners. All are accredited by the Forest School Association (FSA). The children learn a wealth of skills in the outdoors, come rain or shine! Some of the benefits of Forest school work are team building, resilience, determination and of course appreciating and enjoying nature.
All children at Walton experience Forest school sessions in our amazing Spinney and pond areas around school. Children will receive three half terms per year of Forest School afternoons. They are very lucky to have this quality time dedicated to Forest School and learning in the outdoors throughout the year!
We have been recognised by The National Forest as one of their Champion Schools. They were very impressed by the outdoor learning opportunities that we provide to all of our children and we are regularly involved in supporting their projects and other school sessions.
What is Forest School?
The Forest School Association describes Forest School as;
‘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.‘
The philosophy of Walton Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. Children will be encouraged to discover, explore, observe and question what they find in the woods. Sessions are child led, but may have a theme which can be linked to the National Curriculum.
Forest Schools will aim to develop;
- Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation
- Empathy with others
- Good social communication skills
- Independence skills
- A positive mental attitude
- Establish and grow in self confidence
- Learn boundaries of behaviour
- Intrinsic motivation
- An opportunity for each child to reach their full potential
What we do at Forest School.
… play, make and build shelters, slide down a mud slide, explore tracks, lay trails, cook on an open fire, create art, climb, pond dipping, develop an understanding of the properties of earth, wood, clay, water and stone, find wildlife, understand eco-systems, explore with their senses, use simple hand tools to make wooden objects, join in games, enjoy hot chocolate, biscuits, fruit, stories and songs, spend time with friends, peers and adults, ………………….. in all weathers and in all seasons.
The only weather types which would lead to the cancellation of a session would be high winds and electrical storms. Check out our school twitter account to follow regular Forest School updates & photos.
“ There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”
It’s really important that your child is warm and dry during Forest School sessions. Children will get muddy & wet, so bring an old set of clothes to get changed into before we enter the woodland area. Puddle suits for younger children are ideal. The below is a guide but please also read in conjunction with the Forest School leaflet ‘Information for families’.
In cold weather children will need;
- Along sleeved T-shirt / top
- Warm over layers - jumper / fleece / sweatshirt etc
- Warm trousers
- 2 pairs of socks
- 2 pairs of gloves
- A warm hat
- Scarf
- Ear muffs
- Waterproof trousers & jacket / puddle suit
- Wellington boots / sturdy walking shoes
In warm weather children will need light , cool clothing;
- A long sleeved T-shirt / top
- Lightweight trousers (no shorts please)
- Wellington boots / sturdy walking boots
- Sun hat
- Waterproof trousers & jacket / puddle suit may be required at times
Forest School and outdoor learning procedures and risk assessments.
Some useful Forest School links.
