What is a forest school or nursery?

Forest Schools and nurseries are becoming increasingly popular.

Some people believe that a forest-school is just outdoor learning.  But a forest school approach is more than this.

Find out what it involves in this video.

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Intro Video

Welcome to the channel open a nursery with myself Curtly Ania, where I support you to open run a grow your own childcare business.

Today, we’re going over the forest school approach, and what is a forest school.

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A forest school approach is a specialised approach to outdoor learning that aims to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning in woodland environments.

It has become increasingly popular in the UK.

Though, it is important to note that although a forest school approach involves outdoor learning, it cannot be applied to all outdoor settings and we will go over some of the differences soon.

But what makes a forest school, a forest school?                   

A forest school is a form of early years childcare which takes place in forests and woodlands. The curriculum is based on child-led outdoor play, which aims to harness childrens’ curiosity and exploration. Children at forest schools learn through hands-on experiences and develop their imaginations through limited and simple resources—things like mud and sticks.

Activities vary depending on the childrens’ age. Common forest school activities include learning woodland crafts, climbing trees and crafting natural tools. Younger children can also get involved, with activities like bug hunting, mud painting and collecting twigs.

There are 5 key principles of forest schools:

Firstly, the outdoor learning needs to be consistent and regular to be classed as a forest school. It is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review.

Secondly, the childcare takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.

It aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

It offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Finally, it should also be run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

Though, there are some common misconceptions when it comes to the forest school approach.

Firstly, as mentioned forest-schools and outdoor learning are not synonymous. It is a very specific approach and has clear outcomes that are not curricular-led. Whereas, outdoor learning is a broad area of work, encompassing anything that happens outside of the nursery building.

You can also implement a forest school approach no matter what type of setting you run or work in.  Like making camp fires and tool use or specific adventure activities such as climbing, canoeing or hillwalking. Though, it is important that you comprehensively risk assess any activity you do.

On a quick side-note, I have risk assessment templates available to download on the website www.openanursery.co.uk

You don’t have to be forest school trained or implement specific strategies in order successfully implement a forest school approach.

Though, it is good practice to provide staff with training in order to implement a forest school approach and to use this as a way to develop all areas of development.

Although, a forest school approach is not involve implementing a specific curriculum.  You can use a forest school approach to satisfy all areas of the EYFS.  So, for example you can use a forest approach to facilitate learning in maths.  If a group decides to problem-solve a maths issue, such as ‘how tall is that tree?

Though, it is important that all activities and learning is child-led, with practitioners or teachers supporting.

The benefits of forest schools are numerous.

Holistic development is a key aim of forest school. The child-led philosophy encourages children to be resilient, independent and confident learners. There are also benefits for childrens’ social skills. Children become more aware of the consequences of their actions on peers through team activities like building dens and sharing tools.

Research proves that spending time outdoors has a positive effect on childrens’ mental health, too. Children tend to be more attentive and less anxious if they spend more time in nature.

The increase in outdoor activity also has a positive physical impact. They are physically stronger, more agile and sleep better at night. Additionally, outdoor play develops childrens’ balance, climbing and sensory skills.

Skills developed by children at forest schools include:

• Independence
• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Resilience
• Self-awareness

Overall, a Forest School approach is a powerful and proven tool for use as part of education with many settings implementing it.  Either fully, or as part of their curriculum.

If this has inspired you to create your own forest school type nursery. Or maybe you have the desire to open your own nursery using this or any other method.

Then why not get started opening your own nursery.

I can help.

I’ve supported many people like yourself to do so and with the right support it’s not as difficult as you may believe.

Whether you’ve ran your own business before or not I can support you to do so.

Just click the video on the screen now to learn a bit more about the process.

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I look forward to supporting you.

God bless.