What is a Forest School?

Forest Schools are an innovative educational approach. They provide open-air learning spaces that deeply connect children with their environment. Originating from a Scandinavian concept, they have become increasingly popular in the UK. Their focus is on holistic development, practical skills, and personal growth through outdoor activities.

Definition of a Forest School

A Forest School is an outdoor education model. It takes inspiration from nature and focuses on delivering learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Sessions occur in forests or woodland settings. These environments encourage children to explore and learn through firsthand experiences.

In a Forest School, learning is child-centred. This means activities are designed around the interests and the pace of each child. It’s not just about studying nature, but using natural spaces as a backdrop to develop a range of skills. These include social, emotional, and cognitive skills. The main aim is to support all areas of a child’s development using the natural world.

Origins and Development

Forest Schools began in Scandinavia. They arose from a cultural appreciation for nature and outdoor play. The concept emerged in the 1950s, centred around early childhood education. The idea spread to the UK in the mid-1990s. Since then, the movement has grown in recognition and popularity.

Key Principles of Forest Schools

Forest Schools are built on six guiding principles:

1. Long-term Process: Learning is ongoing. Sessions take place regularly over an extended period to allow continued development and deeper learning.
2. Natural Environment: Spending time in woodland is essential. It fosters a connection with nature and provides a unique setting for varied learning experiences.
3. Holistic Development: The focus is on the whole child. Emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual growth are equally important.
4. Supportive Risk-Taking: Children are encouraged to take risks. Activities are designed so they can challenge themselves safely, developing confidence and resilience.
5. Learner-Centred: Children lead their own learning. Practitioners support their interests and facilitate experiences that cater to individual needs.
6. Qualified Practitioners: Trained practitioners lead activities. They hold specialised qualifications in outdoor education and child development.

The Forest School Programme

Sessions and Frequency

Forest School sessions typically occur weekly. They last a few hours, providing a regular rhythm. The consistency helps children feel secure and comfortable, fostering better engagement.

Types of Activities

Activities vary with each session and can include:

• Bushcraft Skills: Basics like shelter building, tool use, and fire lighting. These activities teach practical skills and promote a sense of achievement.
• Creative Tasks: Using natural materials to paint, sculpt, or build. Art and imagination are integral parts of the programme.
• Exploratory Play: Free exploration of the woodland. This encourages observation, curiosity, and scientific thinking.
• Team Challenges: Group activities that stress cooperation, communication, and problem-solving.

Environment and Safety

Safety is essential in Forest Schools. Practitioners conduct regular risk assessments. They ensure both physical and emotional safety, maintaining a balance with freedom and exploration. The forest itself is a ‘teacher’, but practitioners guide interaction with the environment to ensure learning is safe and fruitful.

What are the Benefits of Forest Schools?

Physical Development

Outdoor play encourages physical activity. Running, climbing, and balancing develop motor skills and physical health. Children become stronger and more coordinated.

Emotional and Social Growth

Natural settings inspire a sense of calm and joy. Children often experience reduced stress and anxiety. They gain confidence through achievement and develop emotional resilience. Forest Schools also foster social skills: teamwork, communication, and leadership bloom in group settings.

Cognitive Advantages

Hands-on learning in natural settings boosts cognitive skills. Problem-solving, essential thinking, and decision-making are daily practices. Learning about the environment enhances knowledge in a real-world context, which traditional classrooms sometimes lack.

Connection with Nature

A strong bond with nature is forged. Children learn to appreciate and care for the environment. This connection encourages lifelong sustainable practices.

Forest Schools and the Curriculum

Forest Schools complement the national curriculum. They allow for a less formal, yet highly effective way of meeting educational targets. Subjects like science and geography are integrated into practical tasks. Literacy thrives through storytelling and discussion in open-air circles. Even maths can be explored through measurements and calculations involved in activities.

Training for Forest School Practitioners

Becoming a Forest School leader requires specific training. The Forest School Association provides qualifications across various levels, from introductory courses to in-depth leadership training. These courses cover child development, outdoor pedagogy, and practical skills. Practitioners learn how to conduct risk assessments, plan sessions, and handle emergencies.

Challenges Faced by Forest Schools

Weather and Accessibility

Outdoor learning is weather-dependent. Rain or cold may disrupt plans, though many schools continue in varied conditions with proper gear. Accessibility is a concern, too. Some areas lack suitable woodland spaces or the means to transport children to and from these areas.

Funding and Resources

Sustaining a Forest School often encounters financial hurdles. Funding for resources, transportation, and staffing can be limited. Schools may seek support through grants or partnerships with local authorities and businesses.

Perception and Understanding

Some educators and parents are unfamiliar with the concept. They might question the academic merits of outdoor learning. Continued advocacy and demonstrable outcomes help illustrate the value Forest Schools add to education.

Forest Schools in Urban Areas

Urban implementation poses unique challenges. Limited green spaces and urban distractions require creative solutions. Some schools utilise city parks or partner with community gardens. Urban Forest Schools prove that meaningful outdoor learning can occur in any setting.

Future of Forest Schools

The future for Forest Schools looks promising. As awareness grows, so does appreciation for their benefits. Many educators and policymakers support this alternative approach. Forest Schools may play a larger role in mainstream education, enhancing the traditional curriculum.

Final Thoughts

Forest Schools provide a unique educational experience. They offer children opportunities to learn and grow in natural environments. While challenges exist, the benefits are vast. Emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development all thrive in these settings. Forest Schools equip children with skills and attitudes that last a lifetime. The connection with nature nurtures not just the individual, but the community and environment. This holistic approach to learning may well shape the future of education.