Forest Schools

Forest Schools is an inspirational process involving regular visits (weekly or fortnightly) to a local area of woodland, allowing children and young people to develop a connection with, and appreciation for, their local environment. 

The Forest School approach works for a wide range of ages including youth groups and children excluded from mainstream education, but has been especially popular with pre-school and Foundation Stage children (4 and 5 year olds), allowing them freedom to learn in an exciting environment often no longer available to young children today. Through imaginative activities such as building simple dens and creating natural art, pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of, and engage with, their forest school environment, either individually or in cooperative tasks.

The role of our instructors, as accredited Forest School leaders, is to encourage and deepen environmental understanding by allowing children the time and opportunity to learn and develop at their own pace, and in their own learning style, within a structured programme of sessions.

Research suggests that regular participation in Forest School sessions:

Builds self-confidence and self-esteem
Improves motivation and encourages co-operation
Encourages responsibility, independence and the management of risk Improves language, communication and

social skills Improves physical motor skills Increases understanding of the natural environment and of seasonal change
Encourages a positive attitude to learning

Forest Schools are led by 1 instructor to 15 pupils, accompanied by teachers and parents/assistants. 

For more information or to book a Forest School, contact us on 01245 223342, or to send us an email, click here.

Download information on Forest Schools and how we can help by clicking here.

Essex Outdoors is also a leading player in the Essex Forest Education Initiative (FEI), helping to develop and support Forest Schools across the County
(See http://www.essexfei.co.uk/)