Forest School at Moorlands Primary School

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1 Forest School at Moorlands Primary School

2 Forest School enables children to take measured risks and grow in confidence and self-esteem

3 Forest School Contents Welcome About Forest School A Typical Forest School Day Forest School Fun Bag What children and adults say about Forest School Meet the team

4 Welcome Moorlands Primary School moved to a new building in 2008 next to the old school building. The existing woodland site was left over grown and the pond dried up. Pupils, staff, parents, governors and members of the community began work on the site in October By 2010 the site was cleared and new plants, shrubs and trees were planted. Today the woodland site is the base for Moorlands Forest School.

5 About Forest School Forest School is a programme which aims to enhance, nurture and support children s learning and development. For reception this is an extension to the outdoor learning provision already in place. Children from Reception and Year 1 have the opportunity to take part in different activities in the woodland environment supporting their social, emotional and physical development. We do things that are not possible indoors We can be relaxed and inventive We move around in a bigger space We experience the wonders of nature

6 A typical Forest School Day 10 am we collect the children from their classroom, reminding them to bring appropriate outdoor clothing, for Year 1 they are also reminded to bring fruit, milk or water bottles. We then head off to kit up: The children discuss the weather and choose suitable clothing for the day. They then collect the correct size water proofs from our selection in addition to what they have brought from home. The children are then encouraged to independently kit up. The children celebrate this each week with Willow Bear. The children look at their journey books and talk about the things they have been doing at Forest School. Once kitted up we head out to the woodland, arranging to meet the children at fire camp, where we enjoy social time and a review of the rules. Year 1 also have fruit/ milk. Fire camp is a familiar place and at the end of term we have a celebration around the fire eating crumpets and popcorn. During spring we have been fortunate to watch the nesting great tits just above fire camp.

7 After snack we discuss the plans for the day. A few of the activities enjoyed include: Plant, tree and mini beast identification. Rowan Showing our creative skills Deciding what belongs and what doesn t belong in our woodland and so much more

8 At 11:45 am we aim to head back to school for lunch; the children de-kit and make their way to the dining room. We all sit at the same table for lunch and chat about our morning in the woodland. Picture place mats are provided to encourage talk about Forest School activities. When everyone has finished we head back out, usually to finish off the mornings activity or to give the children free time to explore. This may include: Tree climbing Balancing Games Pond dipping Imagination Mud kitchen We then head back to school at 1:45 pm after reflecting on the day, to de-kit, wash hands and if in Year 1 hand out the fun bag.

9 Forest School Fun Bag Once a term the children in Year 1 Forest School have an opportunity to take home the fun bag. The contents of the bag include: A picture booklet: to jog the children s memories about Forest School. Colouring book The life-cycle of a frog or ladybird bag. A book with a nature theme to read at home Thoughts booklet - where children and adults can feedback their thoughts about Forest School.

10 Thoughts about our Forest School journey

11 I like exploring and Where are you. Here are some thoughts from parents and carers after listening to what their children say about Forest School. Drew enjoyed Forest School and can t wait to return in Year 1. Thank you for sending her journey book home, it is fantastic. Jane Bedford Thank you very much for taking Florence on this journey. Florence has enjoyed the experience and talked of nothing else. She couldn t wait to tell us all about wasps after the first week. Her journey book is beautiful and helps me fully understand her experience. Heidi Hall Thanks so much for all the effort and enthusiasm you put every Wednesday sharing your thoughts about nature with our children. For me it s really important they know how to protect it and find out all the creatures that share the Earth with us. Cayetana has had an amazing time there. Thanks again. Gema

12 Meet the team! Hi, my name is Mrs Turner and I have been involved with Forest Schools for the past five years. I enjoy working outside, despite our British weather! and working with the children in this relaxed environment. Forest School Leader Level 3 Hi, my name is Mrs Underwood. I am very lucky to have spent the last five years working with the children in the woodland environment. I find my role so rewarding watching children grow in confidence whilst trying new things, playing games, making friends and taking care of our woodland. Forest School Leader Level 3 Further information including roles and responsibilities can be obtained by contacting a member of the team.

13 There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Please encourage your child to bring appropriate clothing for the weather. See attached Willow Bear kit up help card.

14 You can wash away the mud, but you can t wash away the experience!