FOREST SCHOOL
FOREST SCHOOL
Forest School offers children the opportunity to experience nature first hand, through actively engaging in activities such as pond dipping, den building, cooking over a camp fire, making trails and hunting for mini-beasts! It is more than just getting the children out in to the fresh air; the Forest School initiative is infused with a social, emotional and environmental ethos that is consistent with Orchard's 'outdoor' approach to play based learning.
We have three Forest School trained staff who take small groups of our 'Foresters' into St Stephen's Castle and the surrounding area for a variety of wonderful learning experiences, please get in touch if you would like more information about our Forest School programme.
Forest School Explained
Orchard Day Nursery is very proud to offer Forest School sessions to children aged three years and upward as part of their regular nursery/pre-school days.
Forest School sessions can take part out in the local woodlands, or on site at the Nursery. We have Forest School trained and qualified staff who lead the sessions. In addition to our other fantastic nursery-based activities, as described in ‘Growing with Orchard’.
Confidence & Independence
It is an opportunity for children to experience nature and the outdoor environment, in a safe, secure and hands-on way. Building high self-esteem, confidence and independence are all fostered through our Forest School programme. Whilst Forest School activities are not prescribed, careful planning and consideration is given to the sessions, and this is a shared process between the staff and children. Through the collaborative learning between children and leaders, we endeavour to enhance and enrich the EYFS curriculum through Forest School.
As defined in the EYFS ‘Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults’(EYFS, 2014: 9) therefore highlighting the importance of the role of the adult during children’s play. Staff understand the value of seeking to engage children in the teaching/learning process, and therefore our approach is structured, but not over-directed. The site has been risk assessed and the children will take part in the risk assessment process during the sessions, helping them to identify and manage potential hazards such as poisonous plants, animals on site, low lying branches, stinging nettles etc.
History & Philosophy
Forest School was initiated in Scandinavia, where outdoor education is recognised as a fantastic way of inspiring and encouraging children through positive, fun, outdoor experiences.
This is all part of the learning process giving them an awareness of the natural world and an understanding of self-care in respect of managing their own safety and hygiene in the outdoors.
The philosophy of Forest School embraces children’s natural curiosity, inspired imagination and promotes learning in a holistic way.
