If you're a parent, you may already have heard the term Forest School bandied around parent and toddler groups. More than just outdoor learning, Forest Schools are nature-based communities that offer a long-term educational approach to help develop confidence, exploration and discovery in a natural setting. The name Forest School does not refer to an actual place, but instead to the philosophy. The concept came to the UK in the 1990s, partly inspired by the Scandinavians who had already made a push to get kids learning outside.
Sarah Lawful is the chair of the Forest School Association in the UK, which was set up in 2012 and currently has around 2000 members.
"At the heart, Forest School is about play-based interaction with woodlands. It's the place where everything we know about wellbeing, children's learning needs and their physical and mental health all come together, and where they learn to care for the planet," explains Sarah.
In recent years, Forest Schools have gained significant popularity across the UK. While many schools and clubs have embraced valuable outdoor learning, Forest School offers a unique approach that provides specific benefits for children. These schools offer regular sessions often weekly and throughout the year rather than a one-off class, so children can experience all four seasons and understand how natures changes. Mainly aimed at primary school-aged children and preschoolers, some Forest Schools operate independently and many early years setting have started introducing some Forest School activities.
What are Forest School activities?
These can include a whole number of adventurous and outdoorsy things like den building, climbing trees, building camp fires, green woodworking. There are also plenty of simpler activities including painting on leaves, balancing on logs, bug hunting or creating outdoor obstacle courses. The main idea is that children are in the fresh air and active using what they find in the natural world.
Similar to Montessori teaching methods, Forest School is child-led. It is facilitated under the careful eye of a very skilled facilitator who is there to make sure everybody has what they need, and the children are being kept safe enough.
The benefits of Forest School
Many studies have found that the added value that comes from outdoor learning has a number of benefits including improving physical health and reducing stress levels. For young children, being outdoors is also a great way to learn how to use their body, their eyesight as well as understanding risk.
Usually grown ups associate risk with harm, but a qualified practitioner of Forest School will know that the ethos sees risk as something for the children themselves to question and overcome. This in turn helps build their self-belief and empowers them to take care of themselves in any given situation.
“Forest School is giving adventure and excitement but learning how to manage risks is one of the most important things. What does risky feel like? How do I keep myself safe? How do I make good choices?” Sarah adds.
The hands-on learning approach allows children to become self-sufficient and use trial and error a valuable skill which can set them up for later life. Other benefits include boosting their self-esteem, confidence around peers, exercise, as well as respect and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Forest School questions
What are the six principles of Forest School?
• Long-term process: Attend regular, long-term sessions, not one-offs.
• Natural environment: Taking place in an inspiring outdoor setting ideally in a woodland or natural setting.
• Holistic development: Including social, emotional, and physical growth.
• Supportive risk taking: Empower children to deal with risks and give them support.
• Qualified practitioners: All leaders have to have a Level 3 Forest School qualification.
• Learner focused: Celebrating and develop individuals interests.
What age is best for Forest School?
Forest School is typically offered to primary school age so around two years with some staying on until they are seven years.
What should my child wear to Forest School?
Children should dress according to the seasons. A layering system is good in the cooler months including a base layer, jumper and warm coat. Sock and sturdy shoes are a no-brainer!
What curriculum do Forest School follow?
The emphasis is on on practical skills rather than full academic coverage. However, qualified practitioners will also teach general life skills and some topics that cross over in to the national curriculum like the four seasons and identifying bugs.
How can I find a local Forest School?
The best thing to do is head to the Forest School Association and search for the closest one to you.
About the author: Keya Modessa, is our Senior Digital Writer and brings over a decade of experience from the digital realm to Mother&Baby. As a mother of two, Keya understands the joys and challenges of modern parenthood and uses her own experience, to give practical advice. Keya has worked across national publications including glossy women's mags, Food and Travel, and more recently Muddy Stilettos.