Forest School

We are proud and excited to offer weekly Forest School sessions for our Reception children. Forest School is an approach to learning that takes place outdoors in a wooded environment, where children are taught vital skills and encouraged to explore, investigate and learn through hands-on experiences. It provides opportunities for children to develop confidence, resilience, independence and curiosity, while fostering a lifelong appreciation of the natural world. 

Through a wide range of carefully planned activities, children are encouraged to take appropriate risks in a safe and supportive environment. They will build dens, observe wildlife, create natural artwork, solve practical problems, explore the changing seasons, tell stories, use simple tools and learn how to cook on a campfire. All activities are carefully planned and risk assessed, with children closely supervised by trained adults, ensuring that Forest School provides a safe environment in which children can explore and challenge themselves.

Regular access to outdoor learning provides significant benefits for young children. Spending time in nature supports physical development by developing balance, coordination and gross motor skills, while also promoting emotional wellbeing, self-confidence and resilience. Forest School encourages children to become independent learners who are willing to explore, ask questions, solve problems and embrace new challenges within a safe and nurturing environment. 

How will Forest School work?

• Forest School sessions will be held at Sulivan Primary School, where we have access to a dedicated woodland area.
• Forest School sessions will be led by our qualified Forest School teachers, Ms Jones and Mr Burris, alongside the class teacher.
• Reception children will participate in 18 Forest School sessions across the academic year.
• Sessions will take placeone afternoon each week for a half term, during three of the six half terms.
• Children will travel to and from the site either by walking or by public transport, with all journeys fully supervised by school staff.
• Class teachers will inform families in advance which half terms their child will attend Forest School and will provide reminders before sessions begin.

What should my child bring?

Our Forest School sessions will take place throughout the year, as experiencing different weather conditions and the changing seasons forms an important part of the learning experience. To ensure children remain comfortable and can participate fully, they should come to school in their normal school uniform and bring the following items in a clearly labelled bag on their Forest School day:

• Waterproof coat
• Wellington boots
• Warm layers, such as a fleece or jumper, during colder weather
• Hat, gloves and scarf during the winter months
• Sun hat during warmer weather
• A complete change of clothes, including socks, in case clothing becomes wet or muddy

Children will wear blue waterproof suits during their Forest School sessions. They will change into their waterproof suits at Sulivan Primary School at the start of their session and change back into their school uniform before returning to school. 

Getting wet and muddy is an important part of the Forest School experience, so please ensure that children have suitable clothing and footwear that they are comfortable getting dirty. Please make sure that all items are clearly labelled with your child's name.

Learning, exploring and growing

Forest School gives our Reception children the opportunity to learn in a different environment and develop skills that complement their learning in the classroom. Across the year, children will have the opportunity to experience the changing seasons, build relationships with the natural world and develop greater confidence in themselves and their abilities. We hope that every child will leave their Forest School experiences with a sense of achievement, a greater willingness to try new things and many happy memories of learning and exploring outdoors.