History of Forest School
Level 3, Unit 4 , 1.1
,“Forest School is a child-centred
learning process, providing learner
inspired, hands-on experiences in the
natural environment. It’s creative and
can increase a child’s confidence as
they problem-solve and learn to manage
risks.”
, Forest School (FS) encourages participants to learn and explore in the natural
environment.
The key characteristics of Forest School:
It is an ethos and philosophy. It promotes self-esteem, creativity, confidence, play and a
child-centred learning approach.
It is learner-centred, focusing on the curiosity of the child rather than tasks to be finished;
it’s holistic learning that helps the child to grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
It enables children to get outside of the classroom, direct their own learning and
exploration and build relationships over time.
It is a long-term approach to learning and not a one-off session, with a recommended
minimum of 24 weeks but ideally a lot more. The longevity of Forest School ensures that
the establishment of boundaries feels safe and secure for the children. It takes time to get
to know people and create a trusting community, expecting children to get the benefits of
this over a few sessions will just add more pressure.
While ‘forest’ may be in the name, it’s not a requirement to have access to a forest. Whilst
woodlands provide an ideal environment for Forest School because of their diversity and
opportunities for exploration, it can be practiced on a beach or any other outdoor
environment. You don’t have to ‘go’ to the forest – the scrubland beside the school is fine.
It provides opportunities for supported risk-taking and often includes the use of knives,
fire, and outdoor shelters.
Level 3, Unit 4 , 1.1
,“Forest School is a child-centred
learning process, providing learner
inspired, hands-on experiences in the
natural environment. It’s creative and
can increase a child’s confidence as
they problem-solve and learn to manage
risks.”
, Forest School (FS) encourages participants to learn and explore in the natural
environment.
The key characteristics of Forest School:
It is an ethos and philosophy. It promotes self-esteem, creativity, confidence, play and a
child-centred learning approach.
It is learner-centred, focusing on the curiosity of the child rather than tasks to be finished;
it’s holistic learning that helps the child to grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
It enables children to get outside of the classroom, direct their own learning and
exploration and build relationships over time.
It is a long-term approach to learning and not a one-off session, with a recommended
minimum of 24 weeks but ideally a lot more. The longevity of Forest School ensures that
the establishment of boundaries feels safe and secure for the children. It takes time to get
to know people and create a trusting community, expecting children to get the benefits of
this over a few sessions will just add more pressure.
While ‘forest’ may be in the name, it’s not a requirement to have access to a forest. Whilst
woodlands provide an ideal environment for Forest School because of their diversity and
opportunities for exploration, it can be practiced on a beach or any other outdoor
environment. You don’t have to ‘go’ to the forest – the scrubland beside the school is fine.
It provides opportunities for supported risk-taking and often includes the use of knives,
fire, and outdoor shelters.
