Schools & Learning

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished" - Lao Tzu

Our Forest School Leader - Basia, is an active member of the Forest School Association and follows the guiding principles and codes of good practice to embrace the true ethos of Forest School.

At Forest School all learners are viewed as:

Equal, unique and valuable
Competent to explore and discover
Entitled to experience appropriate risk and challenge
Entitled to choose, and to initiate and drive their own learning and development
Entitled to experience regular success
Entitled to develop positive relationships with themselves and other people
Entitled to develop a strong, positive relationship with their natural world

This holistic learner centred approach intertwines with the ever changing moods, awe and wonder, potential and challenges of the natural world through the seasons, to fill every Forest School session and programme with discovery and variation. Yet each programme does also share a common set of principles, aimed at ensuring that all learners experience the cumulative and lasting benefits that quality Forest School offers.

(- Forest School Association)

Ongoing research indicates that the Forest School Approach is known to raise levels of motivation for learning, helps to develop concentration, speaking and listening skills and self-esteem - skills vital for sustained and successful learning.

As part of the Forest School programme, Woodland Explorers offer...

An information meeting to discuss requirements
A Forest School Handbook unique to your School or Setting
Planned and evaluated sessions, bespoke to our learners, to compliment and enhance learning already taking place indoors
Observations to inform future planning both at Forest School and back at School
A Forest School Learning Journal, chronicling children's learning and development
Support and maintenance to create a Forest School site within the school grounds (optional)

Woodland Explorers has expertise in planning and delivering effective programmes based on the children's specific needs and interests and the settings desired outcomes. We have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 National Curriculum documents and ensure that our learning activities link to them in an interesting and adventurous manner, whilst at the same time embracing the holistic nature of the Forest School approach.

We are experienced in working with children from a wide range of backgrounds, many of whom have benefitted enormously from the guided support offered whilst learning within this unique natural environment.

We also provide PPA Cover and run after school clubs to enhance the extra-curricular provision within schools.

We welcome enquiries from Schools and other organisations interested in providing a Forest School experience. Please contact us to arrange a meeting to explore the possibilities and discuss your requirements further.

Outline of Forest School Sessions

Overview

Session 1

The suggested featured examples of the first six sessions begin the long-term process of Forest School and highlight the planning, observation, adaptation and review cycle, which interlinks each session and supports learners to develop and embed their knowledge and understanding progressively each week.

Sackville-Ford (2019) identifies that during this time, learners familiarise themselves with the environment and learn about their place within it, enabling them to take ownership of it.

Trusting relationships are established, supported risk taking is encouraged and the foundations of achievements are being secured.

These are the building blocks on which we at Woodland Explorers facilitate learners to direct their own learning and support them in identifying their next stage of achievement and success.

Focus activities are planned in conjunction with learners and participating school staff, whilst simultaneously supporting explorative opportunities through free play to ensure that we incorporate a holistic approach based on the learners emotional and physical needs.

All learners are encouraged to share their expectations with us during the planning process, enabling us to take their individual needs into consideration, thus ensuring that all learning is unique to the groups we work with.

Please do contact us if you have any further questions relating to session learning and development.

Session 1

Introduction to behaviour, safety and emergency expectations
Engage in a mindfulness activity
Introducing and practising the 1-2-3 Where are You? game to ensure all learners understand what to do if, in the rare event, they find themselves alone
Introducing 1-2-3 Base Camp! call and behavioural expectations around Base Camp and the Fire Circle
Observe how to erect a tarpaulin shelter
Opportunities for learners to familiarise themselves with the Forest School site through a range of games and activities and make a connection to the environment
Creating a simple craft item using natural woodland resources (E.g. Woodland Crown)
Reminding learners that they are the guardians of the environment and show respect towards all life
Sharing a snack together as a group
Reflecting on sessional experiences, reviewing learning and agreeing a plan for the next session
Tidying up the Forest School site

Session 2

Session 1

Session 2

Recapping and reviewing expectations related to behaviour, safety and emergencies
Engage in a mindfulness activity
Revisit and review learning from the previous session
Begin developing our Forest School Discovery Book to catalogue flora and fauna unique to the site, in addition to our own 'discoveries' throughout the session, which leads onto further research and future activities
Observe changes (site, weather, people) from the previous session
Support in erecting a tarpaulin shelter
Participate in a planned focus activity (based on observations from the previous session)
Collect, identify and compare leaves, leading to learning about specific flora (E.g. Trees)
Introduce the Treasure Box containing items which will be used throughout the session and/or future sessions
Continue exploring the Forest School site to strengthen the personal connection through games and activities
Reminding learners that they are the guardians of the environment and show respect towards all life
Sharing a snack together as a group
Reflecting on sessional experiences, reviewing learning and agreeing a plan for the next session
Tidying up the Forest School site

Session 3

Session 2

Recapping and reviewing expectations related to behaviour, safety and emergencies
Engage in a mindfulness activity
Revisit and review learning from the previous session
Continue developing our Forest School Discovery Book
Observe changes (site, weather, people) from the previous session
Support in erecting a tarpaulin shelter
Participate in a planned focus activity (based on observations from the previous session)
Collect, identify and compare sticks, leading to learning about specific flora (E.g. Trees)
Introduce the Treasure Box containing items which will be used throughout the session and/or future sessions
Continue exploring the Forest School site to strengthen the personal connection through games and activities
Reminding learners that they are the guardians of the environment and show respect towards all life
Sharing a snack together as a group
Reflecting on sessional experiences, reviewing learning and agreeing a plan for the next session
Tidying up the Forest School site

Session 4

Session 3

Session 4

Recapping and reviewing expectations related to behaviour, safety and emergencies
Engage in a mindfulness activity
Revisit and review learning from the previous session
Continue developing our Forest School Discovery Book
Observe changes (site, weather, people) from the previous session
Support in erecting a tarpaulin shelter
Participate in a planned focus activity (based on observations from the previous session)
Review leaf and stick knowledge from previous sessions, identifying connections to trees on site
Introduce the Treasure Box containing items which will be used throughout the session and/or future sessions
Create a woodland paintbrush and engage in a mud mixing and painting activity
Continue exploring the Forest School site to strengthen the personal connection through games and activities
Reminding learners that they are the guardians of the environment and show respect towards all life
Sharing a snack together as a group
Reflecting on sessional experiences, reviewing learning and agreeing a plan for the next session
Tidying up the Forest School site

Session 5

Session 3

Session 4

Recapping and reviewing expectations related to behaviour, safety and emergencies
Engage in a mindfulness activity
Revisit and review learning from the previous session
Continue developing our Forest School Discovery Book
Observe changes (site, weather, people) from the previous session
Support in erecting a tarpaulin shelter
Participate in a planned focus activity (based on observations from the previous session)
Continue to recap and review leaf, stick and mud painting knowledge from previous sessions, identifying connections to trees on site
Introduce the Treasure Box containing items which will be used throughout the session and/or future sessions
Introduce binoculars, magnifying glasses and bug hunters (pooters)
Participate in a minibeast hunt and identify habitats
Continue exploring the Forest School site to strengthen the personal connection through games and activities
Reminding learners that they are the guardians of the environment and show respect towards all life
Sharing a snack together as a group
Reflecting on sessional experiences, reviewing learning and agreeing a plan for the next session
Tidying up the Forest School site

Session 6

Recapping and reviewing expectations related to behaviour, safety and emergencies
Engage in a mindfulness activity
Revisit and review learning from the previous session
Continue developing our Forest School Discovery Book
Observe changes (site, weather, people) from the previous session
Support in erecting a tarpaulin shelter
Participate in a planned focus activity (based on observations from the previous session)
Consolidate leaf, stick, mud painting and minibeast knowledge from previous sessions, identifying connections to trees and habitats on site
Introduce the Treasure Box containing items which will be used throughout the session and/or future sessions
Continue exploring the Forest School site to strengthen the personal connection through games and activities
Reminding learners that they are the guardians of the environment and show respect towards all life
Sharing a snack together as a group
Reflecting on sessional experiences, reviewing learning and agreeing a plan for the next session
Tidying up the Forest School site

Our Commitment to Emotional Health & Well Being

Promoting opportunities and respect for all learners

Creating an open and inclusive environment

At Woodland Explorers, we believe that Emotional Health and Well Being is central to successful life long learning.

A healthy and positive mindset enables learners to realise abilities and develop talents, effectively manage the regular stresses of life and work constructively to make a worthwhile contribution to society.

Participating in Forest School sessions will enable learners to:

Feel valued and value and respect the contribution of others
Form relationships by working together
Communicate effectively
Influence and act on informed decisions
Take manageable risks safely
Become healthy and fulfilled individuals

Creating an open and inclusive environment

Promoting opportunities and respect for all learners

Creating an open and inclusive environment

In conjunction with our clients, we lead on planning, so that provision can be regularly reviewed to ensure we are meeting the needs of all our learners
All our learners are encouraged to take ownership of the Forest School environment and become autonomous learners, who make key decisions to enhance their learning

Promoting opportunities and respect for all learners

Our unique approach ensures that all learners develop the skills to become effective citizens now and in the future
We ensure that disadvantaged and vulnerable learners are supported in accessing the full range of opportunities we offer, through bespoke planned learning opportunities, specific to the individual client
Our approach is holistic in nature, therefore, we develop the whole learner by viewing each area of learning as equally important

Developing resilience to enable learners to be the best they can be

Promoting opportunities and respect for all learners

We are therefore committed to:

Creating an open and inclusive environment
Promoting opportunities and respect for all learners
Developing resilience to enable learners to be the best they can be
To work collaboratively with all our clients

Developing resilience to enable learners to be the best they can be

All Forest School sessions begin with a mindfulness practise, to enable learners to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings
Learners are encouraged to talk about and demonstrate their ideas
Manageable risks and challenge are at the core of our learner led approach

To work collaboratively with all our clients

Developing resilience to enable learners to be the best they can be

We provide a complimentary information meeting to discuss your specific requirements
We work closely with all our clients to safeguard learners
We participate in the local Outdoor Learning Network

Site Development & Maintenance

From Plan to Reality

Woodland Explorers plan and build a Forest School site according to your specifications and provide three maintenance sessions throughout the year.

Our aim is to work in conjunction with nature . We therefore use sustainably sourced wood for all our structures, in addition to a range of recycled materials.

All aspects of planting aim to reflect a biodiverse environment for flora and fauna. Learners are supported to become autonomous protectors of this unique environment, through the development of understanding of how to care effectively and appropriately for all elements on site.

A typical Forest School site is comprised of...

Base Camp

From Plan to Reality

All Forest School sessions start and finish at Base Camp, as well as acting as a central gathering point
Comprising of logs and/or sustainably sourced timber benches
Fire square complete with fire basket (to raise and contain the heat source, thus protecting growth at ground level)

Tool Area

From Plan to Reality

Planting & Habitat Area

Teaches learners to experience and observe safety expectations when using tools
Encourages focus, concentration and to follow instructions accurately
Learners are invited to work with the Forest School Leader in the tool area
Comprising of a small secure storage shed placed on concrete slabs, thus enabling insect habitat to develop
Woven willow fencing area boundary

Planting & Habitat Area

Enabling learners to participate in first hand experiences and observe flora and fauna in their natural environment, thus developing a better understanding of living things
Encouraging biodiversity of fauna through the positioning of a natural puddle, minibeast motel and/or log pile and stumpery, therefore guaranteeing a home for vulnerable species
Encouraging biodiversity and sustainable usage of flora based on native ancient British woodland planting (E.g. Beech, birch, oak, ash, willow and hazel)
Providing shading, privacy and security through the planting of evergreen species (E.g. Holly, conifers)
Planting of woodland flowers encourages a range of pollinators to visit the Forest School site throughout the year
Learners work alongside the Forest School Leader and Woodland Explorers staff to master simple sustainable maintenance techniques such as coppicing and pollarding, of which the wood will be used for building projects at Forest School
Opportunities for field work through the Understanding of the World, Design & Technology, Science and Geography curriculum programmes of study

Woodland Playground

Planting & Habitat Area

Woodland Playground

Guided by learners interests and needs
Develops gross motor skills, risk taking and resilience
Enables learners to work beyond their boundaries and build confidence
Suggestions include a tyre and/or free standing swing, climbing boulders, sunken pipe slide, wooden see-saw, balance beams and stepping stones
Storage area for loose parts play, enabling learners to create their own elements

Mud Kitchen

Planting & Habitat Area

Woodland Playground

Encourages language development, imagination and social skills, such as listening and turn taking
Support first hand exploration, leading to developing an understanding of the natural world
Comprising of building pallets and a range of recycled materials, pots and pans and kitchen utensils

Outdoor Learning INSET

Why spend time outdoors?

How can spending time outdoors help me?

The benefits of Outdoor Learning are numerous and effect every element of life.

Opportunities to learn outdoors enables children to develop positive attitudes towards school, seeing an improvement in behaviour, leading to a rise in achievement.

At Woodland Explorers, we provide a range of bespoke Outdoor Learning INSET, Training and Team Building events.

We welcome enquiries from Schools and other organisations interested in exploring these possibility further.

How can spending time outdoors help me?

Research has shown that active learning outdoors increases physical, mental and social health.

It decreases stress levels of all learners and supports emotional, behavioural and intellectual development.

Learners develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision making, problem solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative - vital to living and learning competently and successfully throughout life.

What are the outcomes for the future?

Learning outdoors increases understanding of natural and human communities, leading to a personal sense of place in the world.

Learners display stronger environmental attitudes and civic behaviours, particularly poignant during this time of dramatic and alarming climate change.

Learning outdoors builds strong foundations of understanding for the next generation to take an active part in sustaining natural environments and communities.

INSET Days

What are the outcomes for the future?

Full day or half-day sessions
Personal meeting to discuss requirements
Forest School taster session and activities
Support provided to implement and embed outdoor teaching and learning into the curriculum