Forest School A Guide for Parents and Carers “This is the best kind of classroom, It’s a journey through time and space, From the smallest seed to the largest tree, This is a Forest and a learning place. This is the best kind of classroom, Where the seasons don’t happen in books. Where the learning is watching and thinking and talking And everyone notices, everyone looks.” From ‘The best Kind of Classroom’ by Ian MacMillan

What is Forest School? Forest School has developed from the Scandinavian education system and is growing in popularity in the UK. Through experiencing this holistic approach to learning in a natural setting, children have been seen to grow enormously in self-esteem and independence through playing, exploring and ‘having a go’ at all sorts of activities. Forest School is a long term programme delivered by trained practitioners within a natural environment (not necessarily a Forest!). Our programme will be tailored to meet the needs of the children as they grow in confidence, skills and understanding. The ethos of Forest School allows learners the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences. It also allows practitioners to step back and observe the children in order to then encourage and inspire individuals to achieve through careful scaffolding and facilitating. Where will Huntingtrees’ Forest School be taking place ? EYFS and Year One The area used is a small self-contained section within the Early Years and KS1 playground. This area has been enriched with natural materials and includes the use of a pond for water based activities. In future years a much larger area will be developed within the main field. We will be planting trees to create a copse this year and will aim to begin using this main site once the planting has established. Both areas will be thoroughly risk assessed on a regular basis and on a daily basis when in use. Forest School : A Guide for Parents and Carers

Who will be staffing the Forest School at Huntingtree ? Mr O’Shaughnessy (Level 3 practitioner) will lead Forest School sessions. Dudley Guidelines for Forest School sets an adult:child ratio of 1:6 during sessions. However, more adult helpers would be great and make it even better; so if any parents (or grandparents) with Huntingtree CRB clearance would like to help out too, they would be most welcome. If you do not have CRB clearance but are interested in helping, please ask for an application form from the office. Health and safety. The health and safety of all participants is central to everything undertaken within a Forest School Programme. Forest School leaders are fully trained in risk assessment and emergency first aid. Every Forest School will have; a Health and Safety policy; policies and procedures regarding safeguarding and confidentiality; a seasonally and daily risk assessed site; risk assessments for activities; informed adult helpers; first aid and emergency equipment. Some of the activities the children may participate in are ‘higher-risk activities’ (such as campfire cooking or tool use). However, these activities are not available to the children until certain behaviours and boundaries are established. Children are encouraged and supported in recognising and managing risk for themselves, through real life situations and experiences. Forest School : A Guide for Parents and Carers

What activities will go on at Huntingtree’s Forest School ? The first sessions will focus on safety as mentioned. Activities will increase week on week and may include: Games Storytelling (around our fire circle, lit or unlit) Natural art activities Use of tools (if skills and behaviour indicators secured) Exploring, nature watching and mini beast hunting Climbing, rolling Practical woodland skills (eg. Willow weaving) Building dens Time to be quiet, reflect or talk What benefits will my child get from participating in Forest School? Forest School supports the holistic development of the child: Health and fitness – Being active in an outdoor, natural environment. Increased emotional wellbeing – just being among trees has been shown to have a real and positive effect. Social development – Communicating, sharing, negotiating and problem- solving. Skills development – Developing fine and gross motor skills and coordination for real purposes. Gaining knowledge and understanding – Multi–sensory, real-life learning, learning to care for our green spaces and wildlife. Individualised learning – Careful observation allows adults to tailor support to children’s own interests and stage of development. Curriculum Links – Forest School supports many areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and National Curriculum. Forest School : A Guide for Parents and Carers

When will Forest School be taking place and how should the children be dressed ? Reception and Year 1 programme will take place on afternoons. Please refer to the attached timetable to see when your child’s class will be involved. On that day your child should come to school in normal school uniform, but please make sure that your child also has ‘old’ clothes to change into for the forest school session. These clothes should include; old jeans or jogging bottoms (not shorts); a long-sleeved T-shirt; a sweatshirt or fleece and a waterproof coat. We have enough waterproof jackets and trousers for every child. If waterproofs are not required their clothes may become dirty but we hope you agree that this is all part of the fun !!! In summer, a sunhat would be advisable and in winter, a warm coat, extra layers, a hat and gloves. Where can I find out more information ? Forest School : A Guide for Parents and Carers