Forest School

What is Forest School?

Forest School has 6 key principles:

1. Forest School is a long- term process with frequent and regular sessions rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaption, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
2. Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners
4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School Practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

Please use the following link for more information:

Forest School Association

Forest School Site

Kibblestone Scout Camp has kindly agreed to Oulton First School using their site to run Forest School.

We have chosen 2 main sites to use:

Cub Lair and Stream Site:

There is also a meadow and a pond dipping area that we have access to.

The site is approximately a 10-minute walk away from school.

Example of types of activities that may take place at Forest School under close adult supervision:

• Den/ shelter building - building dens from sticks and logs or putting up tarpaulins
• Campfire building and lighting*-learning about fire safety
• Using a Kelly Kettle-boiling water for hot drinks or food
• Making hot food and drinks on the campfire* including wild food foraging- black berries, nettles, elderflower or whatever is available
• Rope and knots- for securing tarpaulines, or woodland crafts
• Bushcraft – Working with Forest school tools* -loppers, bow saw, mallets, fixed blade knives, bill hook, secateurs
• Other Bushcraft activities
• Nature and wildlife discovery, observation and appreciation -birds, insects, pond life and mammals
• Nature and wildlife identification -birds, insects, pond life and mammals
• Learning about the code of conduct and respect for the countryside
• Problem-solving activities
• Physical challenges -obstacle courses, climbing trees, balancing on logs, dam building
• Teambuilding activities
• Child initiated play
• Nature Art and Craftwork - clay, mud and natural materials
• Music making -exploring natural sounds and woodland instruments
• Campfire singing
• Campfire storytelling

All activities are cross-curricular and aim to support the children’s social and emotional development which in turn can help raise their confidence and self-esteem.

Class 2 will be having Forest School in the spring term.

Date	Year group	Date	Year group
7.2.24	Y2	14.2.24	Half term
21.2.24	Y1	28.2.24	Y1
6.3.24	Y2	13.3.24	No FS
20.3.24	No FS - Easter crafts	27.3.24	Easter holidays

Forest School Kit list

Pupils must wear the appropriate clothing in order to participate in these sessions.

Risk assessments of the site are completed before each session.

Winter	Summer
Vest or T-shirt Long sleeved top hooded top / fleece or thick jumper Lots of layers	Long sleeved T-shirt or top Light trousers (Arms and legs must be covered in the woodland)
Waterproof jacket	Socks
Thick socks (thermal or two pairs of thin ones)	Trainers, sturdy shoes or Wellington boots (for stream site). Sandals, crocs and flip-flops are not suitable.
Trousers/ waterproof trousers if possible	Sun hat / sun cream
Wellington boots for stream site/ Wellington boots or walking boots for other sites	Waterproof jacket
Hat, gloves and scarf.