An Overview of Forest School
What is Forest School? Hands-on learning out in the woods
In the early 1990’s a group of students from Bridgewater College visited Scandinavia to take a look at their approach to Early Years development and were inspired by their outdoor-focused holistic approach which embraces learner-led activities, autonomy, supported risk, and play.
GoWild operates year-round throughout all seasons creating nature’s very own classroom, without walls. We take a holistic approach to our Forest school sessions. We aim to connect children with the outdoors by promoting a child-led learning approach through exploration of the natural world and to develop a sense of belonging and stewardship of the local landscape.
Our programmes can be tailored to meet the needs of the children as they grow in confidence, skills, and understanding. Forest School is a long-term outdoor programme of activities delivered by trained practitioners within a natural environment. Our sessions are inclusive and supportive of those with additional needs. Forest School is particularly good at getting the best out of those who struggle with the demands of the classroom.
The ethos of Forest School allows learners the time and space to equip individuals with transferable skills, which can be used in different situations such as effective risk assessing, working as a team, supporting peers, and adaptability.
Without the constraints of a set curriculum, we are able to tailor our sessions to the needs and desires of the attendees in a nurturing, relaxed, yet inspiring setting. By providing positive experiences and achievable tasks individuals are motivated and inspired. This enhances personal, social, and emotional skills such as independence and self-discovery.
Yorkshire's only Forest School provider recognised to adhere to the FSA's six core principles:
1: Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits. The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
2: Forest School takes place in a natural or woodland environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3: Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits. The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
4: Forest School takes place in a natural or woodland environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
5: Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6: Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
“Forest School is an inspirational process that offers children, young people, and adults regular opportunities to achieve, and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment.”
– Forest School Network
Working with nursery and schools
GoWild Outdoors currently works with schools and nurseries in Leeds, Bradford, and further afield. We can welcome groups of up to 16 to join us at our Forest school sites or can facilitate groups on school grounds, bringing our equipment and expertise to you. Activities include campfire cooking, nature learning, natural crafts, shelter building, fire lighting, woodwork and tool use, and much more.
Schools can sign up for a series of half-day sessions per half-term. This is a great way for pupils and staff to get a sense and understanding of the Forest School ethos. We can also provide half-day sessions for the whole academic year.
There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
Our Forest activity sessions run in all weathers (the only weather that may put a stop to sessions are lightening and extremely high wind).
To have a positive experience, children need to be dressed appropriately, so old, inexpensive clothes are most suitable.
These guidelines should help:
- Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
- All-in-one waterproofs are very useful, especially for younger children.
- Layers – more in winter (2 isn’t enough!)
- Long trousers (to avoid stinging nettles and scratching hazards)
- Wellies/other waterproof boots/strong shoes/trainers suitable for all seasons.
- Woolly hat, gloves & scarf
- Sun hat (in summer/sunny weather)
We have a duty of care for your child and we make every attempt to ensure that they are dressed appropriately (using spare resources where possible). However, we will not be able to take children if they are inadequately dressed.
Testimonial
"Children ask, “When is it Thursday?”"Why? On Thursdays it is Forest School and children of all ages absolutely love it."
"Excitement rises as the first child spots the arrival of the amazing GoWild team. In all weathers the children enjoy a wide range of activities not only developing skills but also imagination, resilience, perseverance and confidence.
"GoWild Outdoors encourage close relationship with the natural world which offer so many opportunities to each child to develop empathy, understand positive and negative relationships and good choices and ultimately help children to stay safe and healthy, mentally and physically now and in the future.
"The children’s play, exploration and skill development is structured and purposeful, sometimes directed, sometimes independent but it is always completely engaging, memorable and fun. From a teacher perspective GoWild are wonderful but from the all-important pupil perspective they are THE BEST."
Want to know more?
Get in touch now, and find out how forest school can allow your young learners to connect with the outdoors and develop a sense of belonging and stewardship of their local landscape.
Prices
Please contact us to discuss your requirements, and we will provide a bespoke quote based on your information.
Location
We can run forest school sessions throughout the UK to cater to your business, but our main base is in Yorkshire.
What to bring
Come prepared for a day outside! Ideally wearing walking boots or wellies, and waterproofs.