Wellbeing for children
Forest School is about promoting wellbeing for children and with a focus on individualised, rather than group-led learning experiences.
Children are provided with opportunities for group activities but also, importantly, supervised time on their own to explore the natural world according to their particular interests.
The Forest School leader’s role is to guide, support and take note of the strengths and weaknesses of each child and ‘scaffold’ their physical, social and emotional experiences accordingly.
FEEDBACK
“Forest school has been a wonderful experience for my daughter, she has taken so much from her sessions – making new friends, observing the seasons, fun activities, being mindful and respectful of nature, listening and following instructions, being free in a safe place – I can’t say enough about the benefits.”
“I value these sessions so much for my son and the difference in his confidence level to tackle things he wouldn’t before has been noticed at school.” (parent 2023)
“My son and daughter loved making new friends in an environment where they felt safe and valued.” (parent 2024)
Wellbeing for parents
While the children play in one part of the woodland the accompanying parent will engage with some Wellbeing In Nature activities
This is a great opportunity for parents to slow down and enjoy a nature spa-experience designed to bathe your body and mind with a calmness linked to a state of relaxation, emotional balance and restoration.
The sessions will involve invitations to engage with gentle reflective activities and nature-based arts and crafts, to encourage you to develop a deeper connection with nature and also yourself.
FEEDBACK
“Being in the woodland today, the dappled sunlight and the gentle breeze, was just what I needed to let go of the stress I was carrying when I arrived – thank you” (Wellbeing session participant 2023)
“Once I learned to let go of being on auto-pilot, thinking about the next and the next thing on my ‘to do’ list, I experienced a sense of stillness I’d never known I had inside of me, it was simply amazing.” (Wellbeing session participant 2024)
What is Forest School?
Children enjoy free-play activities in a wild woodland environment with support from the Forest School Leader to take small, incremental steps concerned with taking risks in socially, emotionally and physically. and social play situations, with the aim of building confidence and self-esteem. Activities are risk-assessed as appropriate for the different children taking part with the aim of encouraging holistic development.
What are the benefits of Forest School?
Considerable research shows that Forest School helps children
- Gain self-confidence
- Encourage independance
- Improve social skills
- Increase attention span
- Develop problem solving skills
- Encourage creative thinking
“A marvellous opportunity to learn” Forestry Commission report – Liz O’Brien and Richard Murray
Who runs the Forest School sessions?
We have two Forest School Level 3 Leaders who have Forest School and Paediatric First Aid certificates. Both our leaders have worked for many years as teachers, working within mainstream and special needs educational provisions.
Both our leaders are also Level 3 Wellbeing In Nature practitioners, connecting adults with nature in various ways to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.
Is Forest Schhol outside like school inside?
Yes and No! Forest School is not about listening to a teacher telling you what you must do, but there are still some rules to be followed to keep everyone safe. Forest School involves a lot of play-based activities with ‘risk’ levels managed according to individual needs. The Forest School leader is qualified to run a Forest School and has First Aid certificates.
What do these sessions cost?
These 2-hour sessions £35 for 2 people (child + adult). Further family members pay £5 each. All refreshments and resources provided during the sessions, for both children and adults, are included in the price.
Do I get a refund if my child cannot attend a session?
We don’t provide refunds but we are happy to re-arrange the session you have booked if cancellation is made at least 2 weeks ahead of the session date.
Find out more – start a conversation
We’ll then be able to contact you for a short no-obligation chat
