What is Forest School
Forest School is a child-centered, inspirational learning process that promotes holistic growth through regular outdoor sessions. The Forest School approach is based on learner-led exploration and play. Children are given autonomy to make choices, follow their curiosity, and take the lead in their own learning, promoting independence and creativity.
It’s a long-term program that fosters play, exploration, and supported risk-taking. Through hands-on experiences in a natural setting, it builds confidence and self-esteem. Forest school is called a “school” because it’s a way of teaching that takes place in a natural space, like a forest and parks and involves a group of people. The term “school” is often used to refer to multiple groups or sessions of forest school.
The concept of Forest School was brought to the United Kingdom by a group of early years practitioners from Bridgwater College who visited Denmark and returned enthused by the child-centered outdoor learning which they encountered there. Using the Danish model, they began their own Forest School, and word quickly spread of the positive outcomes which they were evidencing amongst the children in their groups. Forest School became a phenomenon in the UK and Ireland and was soon being offered to people of all ages and abilities. Amongst those seen to benefit were participants who struggled in traditional classroom settings including pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
We believe in giving children the freedom to make choices, promoting independence and inclusiveness while supporting their growth in a holistic environment.