I’m thrilled to share my latest discovery in our grand UK adventure – Forest Schools in the early years! As a mum who just relocated here, I’m constantly on the lookout for unique and enriching experiences for my little ones. And let me tell you, Forest Schools are a gem!
What is a Forest School?
Forest School is an innovative educational approach that takes learning outside the traditional classroom setting and into the woods! It’s all about child-led learning in the great outdoors. Think mud pies, leafy dens, and mini-beast hunts – it’s a child’s dream!
The Benefits of Forest School
- Promotes Holistic Development: Children develop physical skills, like balancing and climbing, and also boost their emotional and social skills through teamwork and exploring nature.
- Encourages Curiosity and Independence: In the natural setting of a forest, children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and make discoveries independently.
- Improves Confidence and Self-Esteem: As they learn to take risks in a safe environment, children build confidence and self-esteem.
- Connects Children with Nature: In today’s digital age, connecting with nature is priceless. It fosters a sense of respect and responsibility towards the environment.
- Enhances Learning through Play: The play-based approach aligns perfectly with how children naturally learn and develop.
The Signing Up Process for a Forest School in the UK
- Research: Start by finding forest schools in your area. Websites, local parenting forums, and social media groups are great places to start.
- Visit: Many forest schools offer open days or trial sessions. This is a great way to see if it suits your child.
- Enquire: Contact the school directly to find out about their enrollment process. They might have an application form and a waiting list. Remember some forest schools are very competitive, so you might need to decide fast and see if this is the right school for your little one.
- Fees and Schedule: Discuss the fees, schedule, and what your child needs to bring along. Forest school often requires weather-appropriate clothing.
- Health and Safety: Ensure the school has robust health and safety policies in place. This is crucial for peace of mind.
Some Forest Schools in the UK to Explore
London Forest Schools
- London Forest School:
- Location & Setting: This school operates in multiple locations across London, utilizing local woodlands and parks.
- Programs Offered: They offer sessions for different age groups, including toddler groups, after-school clubs, and holiday programs.
- Unique Features: Their curriculum is designed to be dynamic and responsive to the children’s interests, focusing heavily on play and exploration.
- Application Process: Parents can find enrollment information on their website, with details on how to book trial sessions.
- Into The Woods Nursery:
- Location & Setting: Based in Highgate, North London, this nursery provides a fully outdoor setting in a private woodland.
- Programs Offered: Catering to children aged 2 to 5, their activities include nature exploration, storytelling, and creative play.
- Unique Features: This nursery stands out for its commitment to being entirely outdoors, offering a unique early years experience.
- Application Process: They provide detailed registration information on their website, including tours for prospective parents.
Forest Schools in Other Parts of England
- Forest School, Sheffield:
- Location & Setting: Situated in Sheffield, it uses local woodland areas to facilitate its programs.
- Programs Offered: They offer a range of sessions, including preschool groups and family days.
- Unique Features: The school is known for its diverse range of activities, including bushcraft, woodland crafts, and environmental education.
- Application Process: Parents can check out their website for enrollment details and session availability.
- Oxford Forest School:
- Location & Setting: Located in Oxford, this school utilizes the beautiful woodlands surrounding the city.
- Programs Offered: Their programs are varied, including sessions for toddlers, school-age children, and even training courses for educators.
- Unique Features: They focus on building resilience and self-esteem through outdoor learning experiences.
- Application Process: Information on bookings and program specifics are available on their website.
What are the main differences between forest schools and state schools?
| Aspect | Forest Schools | State Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Primarily outdoor, often in woodland settings. | Indoor classrooms with some outdoor activities and playgrounds. |
| Curriculum | Child-led, focuses on play, exploration, and practical skills in a natural setting. | Structured curriculum set by the government, covering a wide range of academic subjects. |
| Teaching Approach | Emphasizes hands-on learning, risk-taking, and resilience-building in a natural environment. | More traditional teaching methods, with a mix of lectures, group work, and individual tasks. |
| Class Size and Dynamics | Typically smaller groups, with a high adult-to-child ratio, fostering a more individualized approach. | Larger classes with a standard adult-to-child ratio, leading to a more generalized approach to teaching. |
| Assessment | Less focus on formal assessments. Emphasis on personal and social development. | Regular formal assessments and standardized tests to measure academic progress. |
| Accessibility | Usually independent and fee-paying, with limited availability in certain areas. | Widely available and free to all residents in the UK, making them highly accessible. |
| Hours and Schedule | Flexible and often part-time schedules, varying by school. | Fixed schedules with full-time schooling, following standard term times. |
| Age Range | Often caters to early years (preschool to early primary) but can extend to older children in some cases. | Typically from Reception (age 4-5) to Year 11 (age 15-16), with some extending to Sixth Form (age 17-18). |
| Focus | Develops a strong connection with nature, independence, and practical life skills. | Provides a broad education, including academic, physical, and social development. |
| Parental Involvement | Encourages active parental involvement in the learning process and outdoor activities. | Varies by school; generally includes parent-teacher meetings and some school events. |
It’s important to note that while both Forest Schools and State Schools aim to provide quality education, their approaches, environments, and philosophies can differ significantly. Parents should consider their child’s learning style, needs, and interests when choosing between these educational options.
