Throughout the year different groups from the Early Years and Year 1 classess will have the opportunity to experience Forest School.  Tadpoles will go fortnightly on a Tuesday for the whole year, developing experiences in different seasons. On a Wednesday afternoon Squirrels and Hedgehogs are going to have a short top up Forest School programme in term 1 and 2, to build on their experiences from their sessions in Reception . We are also excited to get Ducklings out for regular weekly sessions in term 1 & 2 on a Wednesday morning.  Starting in term 3 Dragonflies and Frogs will start their Wednesday Forest School programme.  Your class teachers will tell you which weeks your child will be going so they can be all ready for some fun!  

On the days your child goes to Forest school, they will need to bring in a named Forest School kit. 

Clothing for your child

Making sure we are comfortable and warm at Forest School is important for us to enjoy ourselves, so the right clothing is super important.  There is a list below of what your child should wear and the video in this link is really helpful too Layering video | Outdoor clothing | Muddy Faces

The following clothing is recommended:

In school we have waterproof trousers they can borrow or they can bring their own.  We also have some waterproof coats.  In the Winter it can also get very muddy and so do the children! We encourage the children to enjoy exploring this as a sensory experience but they can borrow a waterproof coat to protect their own.  In the summer we are protecting them from scratching plants and insect bites so covering their arms and legs with long sleeved tops and trousers is good. If the trousers are too thin, like leggings, this won't protect them.

If you have any questions about Forest School please speak with your child's class teacher.

We Need YOU!

Parent helpers are essential at Forest School to allow us to provide top quality experiences.  You get the opportunity to be outdoors and really see the magic that happens when the children are given the freedom to play and connect with our natural world.  If you can help for a session then please do let your class teacher know and we look forward to you becoming part of our Forest School community :) 

WHY OUTDOORS IN ALL WEATHERS?

Outdoor play is so important all year round, but can seem a bit daunting when we start to move into the chillier months! There are so many benefits to everyone’s well being, both physical and emotional, by being outdoors. Different weather conditions and seasonal changes allow for many different ways of playing and you can see children approaching Forest School in entirely different ways, even on different days. Play in the summer months can be more contemplative and investigative and then come the colder weather you notice a shift to being more physical and creative. More challenging weather such as cold, wet and even heat, instead of being looked upon with apprehension should be looked upon as a new opportunity to explore the outdoors in a different way.

The added bonus is that children who play in all weather conditions are more:

• Positive

• Resilient

• Creative

• Adaptable

And they are more aware of their natural surroundings and in tune with seasonal changes. Children who have these abilities are able to rise to the challenges that they may come across in their future life. With none of the challenges or risks that Forest School can present, children do not develop these skills and their well-being can be seriously affected.

So, the simple advice is let your children play outside in all weathers and see these benefits too!...

 Fresh air helps improve mood, sleep patterns and boost children's immune systems.

 Burning off excess energy and getting exercise, which is brilliant for health, wellbeing and learning too.

 A greater understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

 Nature can have a calming and relaxing effect on both body and mind (this works for adults too!!!)