Forest School
Welcome to Pilgrims’ Way Forest School. We are very proud of our wonderful Forest School area and ensure that all pupils get as much access as possible to it. Exploring, discovering and learning outdoors is an integral part of our irresistible curriculum, not just an added extra.
We believe it is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils which will have an ongoing positive impact on their learning, emotional well-being and physical health.
At Forest School all participants are viewed as:
- equal, unique and valuable
- competent to explore & 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 the natural world
We ask that pupils bring in appropriate clothing for the seasons, as we go out in all weathers. The ethos of Forest School means that we don’t wait for a sunny day to go and explore; we learn to handle whatever the weather throws at us because we are prepared, we adapt and we believe in ourselves. It’s a message that we hope our pupils will take with them throughout their learning journey and into the world beyond.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Forest School, but you must remember our number one value: HAVE FUN!
For further information and children's frequently asked questions, please see below.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL children a chance to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. We learn about nature, we play, we build, we explore, we climb trees, we build resilience, we take risks, we fail, we succeed, we learn to trust ourselves and each other, we reflect on what we’ve done and we enjoy ourselves in the great outdoors!
How often will I go there?
It’s slightly different for each year group but we aim to get each class out for one session every week. At the heart of Forest School is the opportunity for children to have regular, prolonged access to nature throughout the seasons.
What if it is really cold or raining?
We still go outside! Going out in all weathers teaches us that we can’t wait for the perfect time to do something, we just need to get involved. There are opportunities for discovery and fun whatever the weather. For this reason it is very important that each child brings in appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
What clothes do I need to bring in?
Forest School Clothing
Please make sure that your child has:
- A waterproof coat
- Waterproof trousers
- Wellington Boots
- Warm thick trousers (not leggings)
- A warm jumper
- A long-sleeved top
- A hat and gloves
Children who already own waterproofs (such as all-in-ones or trousers) are encouraged to bring them in.
All of these clothes will get dirty. Please do not bring in clothes which are expensive and cannot get dirty.
Will I get muddy?
Definitely.
Is it dangerous?
No. Trained staff ensure that children are safe and learn to evaluate conditions and situations themselves so they can decide what they are capable of. We provide an environment where children can take the traditional risks associated with childhood: climbing trees, playing with sticks, building dens and playing with mud. We believe that although this might result in the occasional bump or scrape it also gives children the chance to learn about life and build their confidence and creativity in any environment. We cannot expect children to be able to keep themselves safe if we never give them a chance to learn how. At Forest School they can take managed risks in a safe space with adults who ensure that a risk never turns into a danger.
Forest School through the seasons.
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
