Hayes Meadow Primary School and Nursery

Forest School is a unique approach to learning outdoors which has grown and developed over the last 20 years in the UK. The idea is based on a range of educational theorists from the past who recognised the benefits of regular and child-centred opportunities for children to engage with the natural world. Children are encouraged to explore a wooded site, take risks and learn skills as diverse as tool use and fire craft.

At Hayes Meadow we believe that Forest School is an integral part of our children’s experience. This ethos is integral to our Hayes Meadow values of honesty, curiosity, friendship and aspiration. It enables pupils to develop skills such as cooperation, communication and resilience which are essential skills for learning and for life beyond Hayes Meadow. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting which encourages them to maintain a natural curiosity of the world around them.

We are privileged to have three members of staff who are fully trained in delivering Forest School provision for our youngest children in our Nursery to our Year 6 pupils. Forest school is an all-season, all- weather, activity. Sessions can range from exploring and identifying trees, plants, flowers, bugs and animals, to learning fire safety and constructing camp fires, to survival skills such as den building.

Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visit; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

Our aims for pupils are to:

engage and enjoy the opportunities available in Forest School
establish and follow rules for behaviour and safe practice in familiar and new activities
be confident in tackling new activities and show persistence and resilience
be able to identity activities they enjoy and develop their own ideas
become confident and comfortable being in the natural world
be able to recognise, identify and care for some elements of the natural world they are exploring
use and apply classroom skills through practical activities.
And of course, it's also all about fun!