Forest School is about exploring and experiencing the natural world through practical activities. This will involve children spending quality time outside in all weathers so that they can learn and appreciate all the different elements that the varying seasons and the changes in the natural environment have to offer. These will provide opportunities to stimulate creative thinking, problem-solving and skill development through the use of the natural resources on offer, along with teaching children how to respect and care for the surrounding environment. 

Forest schools offer a unique educational experience using the outdoor environment to help improve communication, confidence, problem-solving skills and knowledge and understanding of the world. These are all important skills that are transferable to the classroom. Forest schools also provide children with opportunities to experience awe and wonder, which lead to inspiration and creative thinking.

At H.C.A., we have extensive school grounds, where groups of children experience sessions with our trained practitioner, Graham.

We feel forest schools offer an invaluable experience that enhances children’s education: it offers a safe place to learn how to take risks, explore and experiment. It gives children confidence that they can take with them into the classroom. 

The experiences children will engage with include:

• Den building,
• Setting up shelters,
• Fire lighting,
• Cooking,
• Using tools,
• Investigating natural woodland,
• Arts and crafts using natural resources and many more

At H.C.A., we believe that all children should have the opportunity to take part in a series of forest school sessions at some point during their time at our school.

For many children, the outdoors provides a relaxed environment. Many reports on wellbeing and the health of young children cite the disconnect they have these days from the natural world and the benefits they gain from being immersed in it.