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Forest Schools

We have a wholehearted commitment to outdoor learning here at Sproatley! Every child experiences Forest School sessions throughout the year within curriculum time. Mrs Pepper, our Forest Schools specialist, has many years of experience promoting outdoor learning and it has proven to be one of our most popular activities with our children…

  • All our children experience Forest School from EYFS to Year 6
  • Classes have dedicated half terms of weekly afternoon sessions so that they can embark on longer projects and build on new skills from week to week.
  • Forest School has been lovingly developed over many years by our Forest School leader Mrs Pepper and the children.
  • There are many features in our Forest School  such as a fire pit safe area with logs; a calm area with a hammock; an outdoor music area; planting area for growing produce; a treehouse platform built from a fallen tree; a bird-watching area; designated reflection areas and a
  •  woodland walk path; two mud kitchens; a fairy garden and a permanent swing.
  • There is a newly designed and created dedicated wildlife area including hedgehog houses, a pond and sensory planting.

        

Sproatley Forest School Ethos:

  • Our Forest School is a long-term process of half-termly sessions
  • Our Forest School takes place in our own school environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between our children and the natural world around them and beyond.
  • Our Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering independent, resilient, confident, and creative learners. 
  • Our Forest School allows our children the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
  • Our Forest School is run by qualified and passionate Forest School practitioner, Mrs Pepper, who plants the love of nature in all our children and then nurtures this passion.

Why is Forest School important?

  • Forest School is a holistic way of learning, meaning that it’s a whole child way of learning covering social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and character-building for each child.
  • There are opportunities to take risks and learn in settings with wider boundaries.
  • Enthusiasm and dedication by staff fires the imagination of each individual to have a sense of awe and wonder of the natural world and achievement in their own skills.
  • We wholeheartedly believe that taking the time to value and appreciate the natural environment is beneficial for sustaining good mental health within our very busy world.
  • The children are encouraged to investigate & explore but also to respect all living things.
  • Children learn best from first-hand experiences. Exploring and learning using a range of activities (both designed by the leader and instigated by the children themselves) with no expectations attached, builds a sense of independence, high self-esteem and teamwork.
  • Forest School reflects our Christian vision which drives everything we do at Sproatley:

You can find more information on the link between children’s mental health and wellbeing, and Forest School here:

What do our children think?

“…it is fun and I like to be in nature.”

“…I can choose skill I want to work on and because I can do a project.”

“…you can climb trees.”

“…we get to make things out of wood, we get to be outside and have fun but we can make anything we want.”

“…I get to see lots of nature and choose my own activity.”