Forest School

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better!"
Albert Einstein

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an outdoor learning approach that encourages children to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences in a natural environment. Rooted in the belief that nature is a powerful teacher, Forest School helps students build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills as they engage in activities like shelter building, nature art, tool use, and ecological exploration. Through regular sessions outdoors, children develop resilience, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the natural world, all while supporting their physical, emotional, and social well-being

How does this look at Middleforth?

At Middleforth Church of England Primary School, we aim to make use of our beautiful woodland grounds to offer our pupils the chance to experience Forest School Learning.  All sessions are led by an in-house qualified Level 3 Forest School Practitioner, supported by another member of staff.  Children attend Forest School sessions in small groups. Each year group will have an allocated half term and will visit Forest School once a week. Children will also have the opportunity to use our Forest School area throughout the school year, allowing them to experience the seasonal changes that take place around them in a familiar environment.


Aims of Forest School

We aim for our children to be:

Team players

Resilient learners

Creative thinkers

Skill developers

Decision makers

Risk Takers

Nature explorers

Den designers

What Do We Do?

There are lots of activities at Forest School which assist the children in developing their holistic learning in a hands on way.

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Building dens and shelters

Creating nature art using leaves, sticks, and stones

Learning safe use of tools like peelers or mallets

Identifying plants, trees, and wildlife

Lighting campfires and learning fire safety

Exploring trails and observing seasonal changes

Playing imaginative outdoor games

Cooking simple snacks over a fire

Using natural materials for crafts (e.g., weaving, clay, or whittling)

Team-building challenges and problem-solving tasks

 

Intent

At Middleforth, we believe that Forest School enhances the curriculum to provide one that is broad, balanced and develops the whole child.

We recognise the uniqueness of every child and help them to respect each other and the natural world whilst developing their social, physical, intellectual, communication, spiritual and emotional skills and allowing them to take measured risks within a safe environment. In turn, this will help the children to further their confidence, creativity, decision-making skills and independence. We nurture children to become motivated and resilient so that they can attain their potential, and discover a curiosity and love of learning in the outdoors.

We aim to do this by:

  • Providing a safe and secure woodland environment where the children can explore, challenge themselves and practise their skills on a regular basis.

  • Giving children time, space and support to develop their skills, interests and understanding through a hands-on practical approach.

  • Training children to use tools appropriately and build dens as well as create and make fires safely within a controlled environment.

  • Planning flexible learning opportunities, including play, and observing children in their learning.

  • Enabling the children to achieve success through challenges which focus on process rather than outcome.

  • Encouraging the children to make sensible and informed decisions in unfamiliar situations based on their previous learning experiences.