Intent
Forest School allows children to have freedom to explore, play, build, create, imagine, use their senses to experience the outdoor environment and engage with one another. It helps them learn to be curious, resilient, respectful of others and nature, take calculated risks and experience regular success.
“Tynings Forest School participants develop positive relationships with themselves, nature and other people and recognise that they are unique and valuable.”
Forest School at the Tynings
Mrs Pike is undergoing the Level 3 Forest School qualification and provides Forest School sessions during PPA cover for class teachers. Currently, she works with EYFS, Year 1 and Year 4. Mrs Pike also provides an after-school Forest School session for different year groups throughout the year.
“It seems to me that an understanding of the natural world is crucial for all of us – after all we depend upon it for our food, for the air we breathe and, some would say, for our very sanity.”
Sir David Attenborough
Opportunities for outdoor learning is encouraged throughout the school in all subjects and year groups to develop an understanding of the world around us and, also in recognition of the research regarding the positive impact of nature on our mental health.
Clothing for Forest School
It's important that the children have the correct clothing and footwear to ensure they have an enjoyable time outside. When they are cold, wet, over-heated or muddy, it's not much fun.
If they don't have waterproofs, any old clothes that they can change in and out of is fine. If wellies have been grown out of, any old trainers they can put on to get muddy and then change out of is acceptable; I would also recommend a clean dry pair of socks too.
Below is a list of recommended clothing for Forest School clothing throughout the seasons. Please label all clothing and shoes.
Autumn/Winter
Wellies or shoes they can change in and out of
Spare socks
Warm trousers
Waterproof trousers
long sleeve top
Jumper
Coat (Waterproof coats are not good to retain heat so an extra layer like a fleece under it is recommended)
Gloves
Hat
Spring/Summer
Shoes that have good grip and wellies if wet
Trousers (lightweight)
lightweight long sleeve top to prevent scratches and scrapes
Waterproofs in spring showers
Sunhat
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Here are some useful websites you can visit for ideas to do on the weekends or in the holidays:
https://www.forestryengland.uk/resource
http://www.wildforestschool.org.uk/wild-activities
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/visit/choose-your-adventure/half-term-activities-and-days-out-kids
Make sure you tweet your pictures tagging @tyningsschool #forestschool
Mrs Pike would love to see all your adventures.
