Forest School

Forest School

At Westvale Park we recognise that our children learn in different ways and we are passionate about providing a wide variety of opportunities that will inspire them to become confident learners. We are on a journey to become a Forest School which will provide enrichment opportunities and inspiration to help children develop writing and maths skills in a real-life context.   

Principles of Forest School

• It 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.
• It takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
• It uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
• It aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
• It offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
• It is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

Safety at Forest School

• School Safety is very important at Forest School.
• Clear safety procedures are in place
• Activities are carefully risk assessed
• Forest School leaders are trained in first aid in an outdoor setting
• Children are closely supervised 

What are the benefits?

• It builds children’s confidence and self-esteem as they are responsible for making their own decisions and are carefully supported to achieve this.
• It supports all areas of the curriculum in an exciting, hands-on way.
• It develops communication and social skills. It develops knowledge, skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences.
• Children enjoy meeting and overcoming challenges at their own pace.