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Nursery Hill Primary School

Forest School

At Nursery Hill, the children have the most amazing outside space which is used all year round. We have a huge playing field, with a large playground, wooden play structures, a centenary garden and a wonderful woodland where we are able to have forest school.
 
What is Forest School?

The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences that incorporates children’s right to play

Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

Whilst taking part in these sessions, children have the opportunity to learn about the natural world, develop practical skills, such as stick carving and fire lighting, and explore and play in their woodland setting. That setting changes with the seasons giving the pupils the chance to explore whatever the weather, to access the outdoor environment and to feel success. 

 

At Nursery Hill, we offer a range of activities in our forest and field which is evolving based on our pupil’s needs and interests.

Children learn best from first-hand experiences including exploring, playing and discovery using a range of activities which are both designed by the Forest School leader and instigated by the children themselves.

Forest School aims to build a sense of independence, increase self-esteem and foster teamwork, as well as encourage an understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Our pupils will be learning through discovery across all areas of the curriculum:

  • Maths (counting natural objects; sorting shapes, colours and sizes; measuring; problem solving and calculating; pattern making and recognising),
  • English (listening to and following instructions; discussing findings; new vocabulary; sharing ideas; story telling; songs and rhymes; mark making in the mud),
  • Science (investigating all the natural flora and fauna in the woodland; investigating weather; predicting and experimenting; mapping; growing things; using senses to learn about materials, textures, changes etc.),
  • Physical development (spatial awareness; balancing; negotiating obstacles; use of tools; games and healthy exercise outside)
  • Personal, social and emotional development (build self-esteem; independence; co-operation; team work and self-confidence; respect for living things; sharing experiences with peers and adults; building understanding of health and safety).

There will also be opportunities for den building, fire making and using tools!

Children have 2 blocks of forest school over the school year, each consisting of 6 weeks. This ensures that the children get outside in different seasons and have the chance to build on skills and prior learning. The weather does not put us off so they need to be dressed appropriately with lots of layers for cooler temperatures and waterproofs for rain. 

 

Children have 2 blocks of forest school over the school year, each consisting of 6 weeks. This ensures that the children get outside in different seasons and have the chance to build on skills and prior learning. The weather does not put us off so we need to be dressed appropriately with lots of layers for cooler temperatures and waterproofs for rain. 
Our outdoor space is a unique way of building independence and self-esteem in young children, exposing them to the natural world at a time where it is vital for children to understand their impact on the environment.  It is a child-centred and child-led programme that provides the opportunity for the children to use their personal learning style to complete various activities.
Children will have opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.