Forest School
At the Federation, we encourage children to take part in regular and seasonal Forest School sessions. We value the importance of free choice and play and encourage children to take risks and connect with nature. At both Bedenham and Holbrook Primary Schools we are very fortunate to have small but purposeful Forest School areas. Both sites have a copse, grassy areas and wildflower areas. At Bedenham, children have access to a large tree bordered field. At Holbrook, children have access to a pond with dipping platform.
Senior leaders value and encourage outdoor learning and actively encourage opportunities to take the curriculum outside. This is embraced by the whole school who look for opportunities to connect with nature and the outdoor environment, such as creating artwork outdoors.
Senior leaders have invested in Level 3 Forest School Leaders (RQF) training through Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The course, run on Forest School principals, has supported our Leader, Miss Clark, to set up a Forest School programme, starting with EYFS and after-school clubs in 2024-25.
Forest School fosters our school values of respect (respecting our environment and taking responsibility for caring for it), resilience (children developing good resilience skills by having the space and time to have a go at new activities) and aspiration (children working towards a goal such as fire lighting). Everyday new research emerges showing us the importance and benefits of Forest School and getting outdoors and connecting with the world around us.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is distinct to outdoor learning, which many teachers already participate in with their class. Forest School follows six key principles which makes it unique:
- The same group of learners taking part in long term regular sessions
- Developing a sense of community
- The use of a natural environment such as a woodland
- Holistic development of the child, fostering resilience, confidence and independence
- Shared responsibility, providing opportunity for supported risks
- Sessions that are run by qualified Forest School practitioners
Activities
The activities we provide vary based on children’s interests, needs and the season. They may include:
- Bug hunting
- Den building
- Tree climbing
- Natural crafts – e.g mud paint, blackberry paint, charcoal
- Use of tools – e.g. whittling (knives and peelers), palm drills, sawing
- Gross motor skills – wagon pulling, hammocks, slack lines, rope climbing
- Fire lighting and maintaining
- Cooking
Dressing for Forest School
We are rolling-out Forest School across the Federation, starting in 2024-25 with weekly sessions for EYFS at both schools, and Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 after-school clubs at Bedenham. We plan to increase this from September 2025 to include sessions for Key Stage 1 at both schools.
The weather can be unpredictable and we will be outside in all weathers (except extreme weather such as strong winds and lightning). Children need to wear clothing appropriate for the weather, including a long sleeve top and trousers in all weathers due to the cold in winter and bites/stings in the summer months. We provide waterproofs for EYFS.
Children need to bring Forest School clothing into school on the appropriate day:
- Bedenham Bears – Monday
- Holbrook Bears – Thursday
Cold Weather
When it's cold, dress in layers so that you are ready for anything!
- Vest
- Long sleeved warm top
- Fleece
- Warm leggings or jogging bottoms
- Waterproof coat & trousers (or all-in-one)
- Hat & gloves
- Wellies & extra socks
Warm Weather
When it's mild, dress to protect yourself from the sun, nettles and bites.
- Long sleeved top
- Leggings or jogging bottoms
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Sock that cover the ankles (no gaps between leggings and socks)
- Trainers
