FORESTEERS

What Foresteers says

What is Forest School? Forest School is all about giving children and young people of all ages the opportunity to learn through positive experiences in exciting, outdoor, woodland settings. Research has demonstrated that these repeated visits to the same woodland site support the development of self-confidence, motivation, concentration and sound social and emotional skills. Joining the Foresteers allows children to take part in experiences that encourage creativity and exploration. All of our experiences are designed to be fun and interesting, and importantly something they would probably never otherwise experience. The concept originates from Scandinavia where the young children are taken on walks through the forest following an imaginary character. Along the way they explore and investigate, take risks and learn together in the great outdoors. The ethos has now been introduced to the UK under the name ‘Forest School’. Experiences are varied and linked both to the curriculum and the season in which they take place. Nature is at the heart of all of that we do and children will, over time, learn about the world around them. Sessions focus on aspects of holistic development. The teacher is less a person of authority and more a facilitator, mentor and experienced companion. Children are allowed to choose the direction they take, discover, discuss and develop without the constraints of a table and chair. As they learn to respect this freedom they will learn about themselves, learn about others, and learn to be resilient.