Throckley Primary School Forest School

Vision Statement and Rationale

What is Forest School?

‘Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees’. (Forest School Association)

Rationale

At Throckley Primary School, we are committed to providing a purposeful and empowering Forest school experience by broadening the horizons of our pupils and connecting them with nature. Our Forest School offer gives children the knowledge and understanding they need to make informed choices and to be a positive influence in our woodland area.

Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world and pressure can impact mental health in our children. Forest School allows children to improve their mental health and learn coping strategies by developing skills such as confidence and resilience, self-esteem, risk – management, team building and critical thinking.

Forest School Leaders

Each Forest School session will take place with a Level 3 accredited Forest School Leader supported by additional learning support assistants/class teachers. The leader will promote the Forest School and outdoor learning ethos. They are responsible for the delivery of each session, the care and safety of the children and staff involved, ensuring that policies, procedures and statutory guidance is being followed. The Forest School Lead will regularly check the maintenance of the site and resources used. The Forest School Leaders will skillfully observe, mentor and support all learners.

Class teachers will liaise with the Forest School leaders to develop more opportunities for outdoor learning within the academic curriculum.

Katie McGregor – Forest School Lead, Level 3 (2024)

Forest School Code of Conduct

We have adopted the Code of Conduct used through ATNE training sessions:

Look after yourself

Look after other people and look after the environment

Ask before you pick

Ask before you lick

Be careful with your stick