Forest School

We are lucky enough to have our own Forest School site here at Manor Primary School with every class having a one-hour session of Forest School a week with a trained Forest School worker. Forest School is child led learning in an outdoor setting. The learning taking place is individual to them; each child can be absorbed in what they find interesting.

Through regular outdoor learning experiences, children are given the opportunities to learn and achieve. At Forest School, children’s natural curiosity is aroused allowing them to experiment and ask questions. These in turn develop self-esteem, confidence, a positive attitude to learning, social skills and teamwork. Regular attendance at Forest School provides opportunities for everyone to learn and achieve. Recent research shows improved outcomes for children in the following areas:

• Confidence and Self Esteem - Children have the freedom, time and space to learn, grow and demonstrate their skills.
• Social Skills - Children develop an increased awareness of the consequences of their actions and show a better ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Motivation and concentration - Children show a keenness to participate in play activities and to explore their surroundings plus an increased ability to focus on specific tasks for longer periods of time.
• Physical skills - Both gross and fine motor skills are honed by making structures, climbing, running and exploring freely.
• Knowledge and Understanding - Increased respect is shown for the environment and the natural surroundings together with improved observational skills. Visiting the setting throughout the year gives them the opportunity to note changes and become aware of seasonal differences.

Forest school is accessible to all children. The learning taking place is unique to each child. Observation by the adults present allows them to see what stage of learning each child is at. The adult role is then to facilitate and move that child’s learning on through questioning.