About Us
Basia Dowling - Forest School Leader
Basia is a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader and a member of the Forest School Association. She has been a primary school teacher for over 20 years and has taught across Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and Key Stages 1 and 2. Basia specialises in EYFS, Forest School and Outdoor Learning and developing conducive environments to promote effective learning.
Basia is passionate about nature. She is a registered British Beekeeper and can often be found at the back of her garden chatting to her bees! She is also a keen gardener.
In her spare time, Basia makes bespoke jewellery, taking her inspiration from nature and produces a range of beeswax and honey based products. Basia enjoys walking and exploring the Chiltern Hills, where she lives with her husband Chris, their bees and three friendly hens.
Understanding the Forest School Approach
Principle 1 - Time & Space
Principle 2 - Experience & Enjoy
Principle 2 - Experience & Enjoy
Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits.
The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
Principle 2 - Experience & Enjoy
Principle 2 - Experience & Enjoy
Principle 2 - Experience & Enjoy
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Principle 3 - Explore & Play
Principle 2 - Experience & Enjoy
Principle 4 - Persist & Celebrate
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
Principle 4 - Persist & Celebrate
Principle 4 - Persist & Celebrate
Principle 4 - Persist & Celebrate
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Principle 5 - Trust & Endeavour
Principle 4 - Persist & Celebrate
Principle 5 - Trust & Endeavour
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Principle 6 - Learn & Share
Principle 4 - Persist & Celebrate
Principle 5 - Trust & Endeavour
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.