WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?
Forest School is more than meets the eye. It is more than playing in the woods and building fires; it has unbelievable benefits to children and adults of all ages.Forest school is a form of outdoor education, which has an inspirational and participant-centred learning process at its core. This offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long term programme that supports play, development, exploration, and risk-taking. It increases confidence and self-esteem through participant-centred, hands-on experiences in a natural setting. The process is underpinned by the six core principles, that define forest school. You must have all six principles in place to be delivering Forest School.
THE SIX PRINCIPLES OF FOREST SCHOOL...
LONG TERM:
Sessions must take place regularly, over an extended period of time. This does vary depending on the particular group, but most of our sessions are 2 hours long and available to book in a 12 week termly block.
NATURE:
Based in a natural environment to encourage nature connection, while monitoring its ecological impact. Our site us nestled amongst a lovely little wooded area within Pocket Park, St Neots.
COMMUNITY:
Each session is participant-centred (child-led) which is responsive to the needs and interests of the attendees. Play and choice are integral to this, and we often encourage parents to take a step back to give their children the opportunity for self-directed learning when attending sessions together.
RISK:
Ensuring we offer participants the opportunity to take part in supported risks appropriate to themselves and the environment; of course, with thorough safety evaluations, precautions, and insurance.
HOLISTIC:
Our sessions always aim to develop the social, physical, intellectual, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the participants.
LEADERSHIP:
All sessions are run by qualified staff, who continually maintain and develop their personal practice.