Forest Schools

At All Saints, our participation in the Forest Schools Programme is an integral part of the high quality education that we provide for our pupils.

The school uses this programme to support the spiritual, moral, social and cultural education and our PHSE curriculum.

We aim to give children and practitioners a shared understanding of the ethos of a Forest School experience. This powerful approach, enables young children to be independent, self-motivated, courageous and considerate as well as setting them up for lifelong learning. It particularly supports the development of self-esteem and self-confidence.

We have created a designated outdoor learning space within the school grounds to facilitate Forest Schools sessions, outdoor learning opportunities linked to the wider curriculum, and our after school Go Wild environmental club.

Environmental Considerations

Forest Schools has environmental awareness at the heart of its ethos. Wherever possible, environmentally friendly products and recycled materials are used. Good practice is modelled by adults, showing children that the world in which we live in should be cared for. Involving children in site checks and planning environmental games help support this.

Health and Safety Considerations

The Forest Schools programme supports children to develop responsibility for themselves and others.

It encourages early risk management strategies that will ensure that our children start to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and on others.

Adults will carry our site assessments before bringing children to the site to ensure that overhead branches are secure, fallen trees are removed and there are no obvious causes for concern. Adults assess weather conditions in terms of stormy and windy weather, which may result in unsafe branches.