"Together we play, learn and succeed".

Our school motto is synonymous with Forest School and we are proud to be able to offer it as part of our curriculum in Reception, Year 3 and Year 5. We have chosen these year groups in particular because we recognise them as challenging years for our children and believe Forest School supports the children’s academic studies, mental health and well-being and social and emotional development.

Children learn in their very first session of Forest School the three Golden Rules:

• · Look after ourselves
• · Look after each other
• · Look after nature

It is by teaching and learning through these 3 simple rules, children grow and develop in confidence and self-esteem. They learn the importance of team work and find themselves forming friendships that they might not have considered before. They learn the importance of caring for their environment and recognise how they can play their part in conservation.

They also get very muddy, have lots of fun and are more willing to try new experiences!

With support from our amazing PTA (Parent Teacher Association), over time we have developed a fantastic site on our school grounds, purposefully set up to deliver Forest School. Here, children have to opportunity to explore and investigate their natural surroundings. From mini-beast hunts; growing vegetables, fruits and herbs; pond dipping; tool use; fire-lighting and cooking; den building and numerous art and craft projects, Forest School provides children with a wealth of safe experiences only gained from a unique environment such as ours.

We have 4 qualified Forest School Leaders on our staff team and they work together across the Primary to support the delivery of Forest School. All leaders are paediatric first aid trained.

Forest School is largely led by the children themselves. The adults facilitate the learning experiences based on the interests of the children they are working with. The leader may suggest tasks but the children may wish to explore another activity within the site. This child-initiated learning or play is more often found in an EYFS learning environment but its principles are completely transferable to other years.