Forest School

We are fortunate to have a fantastic Forest School programme, with children in the Pre-Prep spending either Wednesday or Friday afternoons in our woods.

Forest School primarily promotes independence, self-esteem and confidence, and we are keen to develop a sense of responsibility for all involved. It provides a positive atmosphere where team work is encouraged and all success is celebrated.

There is a good adult to child ratio, which enables the children to participate in a range of high level activities such as fire lighting using a fire steel, cooking around an open fire, sawing using bow saws, whittling and den building. Each week a small group is responsible for preparing and serving snacks for the whole group; this ranges from scones and veggie soup to wild garlic pesto, garlic bread and elderflower cordial, among others.

There is repetition in the skills so children can hone and refine their expertise. For example, they begin to whittle with a vegetable peeler before moving on to a knife and working with greater
independence. These skills implicitly support fine motor skills and learning schemas, which are promoted in the classroom environment.

We have good links with local primary schools and host regular events and workshops in order to extend the reach of our wonderful Forest School.