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Youngsters enjoy benefits of their Forest School

Posted onPosted on 29th Jul

Children at The Flying High Academy, Mansfield, enjoyed the sunshine at the end of the summer term in their own Forest School.

Mathew Vernon, teaching assistant and Forest School lead, said pupils love learning outdoors.

“All children have access to the Forest School and the area can be used for a range of learning opportunities,” he explained.

“I work alongside teachers to deliver lessons on a topic or specific area of the curriculum, and evidence shows that learning out of doors makes children’s lessons particularly memorable.

“The Forest School is also used for pastoral support within school. Here I assist specific learning needs of individual children through skill-based sessions, focused on wellbeing and social skills.”

Mathew said there were a range of advantages for children who have access to outdoor classrooms.

“Having a Forest School is shown to be beneficial for all areas of children’s development,” he added.

“The ethos is based around a learner-centred approach to support the holistic development of children. In this way, children are encouraged to learn a range of skills that they may not be able to access in the classroom, promoting the safe use of tools, teamwork and creativity in a natural environment. 

“Children are able to take part in projects to plan and build using natural resources, enhancing their ability to problem solve and think of logical solutions to create their final project, such as a den.

“The forest also provides a calm environment for children, allowing time out of the busy school building, this can help children socially and emotionally within the safety of their group.” 

Mathew says many schools have outdoor learning spaces, but to be considered a Forest School, requires an accredited and qualified Forest School leader, fluent with teaching in an outdoor environment and the additional considerations that brings. 

“Our school is very lucky to have a small young woodland on site, meaning that children can have regular and easy access to Forest School sessions,” added Mathew.

“Our children have a first-hand view of the changing seasons in the forest and learn about maintaining the natural environment in their school. 

“he beauty of Forest School is that it can fit into all areas of the curriculum.”  

Children are encouraged to understand and protect wildlife in their natural habitat.

“We are planning to widen the range of sessions and skills that children in our school can access, as well as expand within our multi-academy trust,” Matthew added.