We are excited to be able to offer Forest School and outdoor learning sessions in our established grounds, through Jenny Flude, our level 3 Forest School leader.
Jenny is also an Approved Practitioner with The Therapeutic Forest and a Certified Outdoor Mental Health Practitioner through The Therapy Adventure. Through The Therapy Adventure, Jenny has been trained to deliver an outdoor wellbeing programme, and for our older pupils, uses the National Outdoor Learning Award, provided by the Institute of Outdoor Learning. Jenny is passionate about providing outdoor opportunities for our children and young people, employing strategies and activities to promote positive mental health, both inside and outside the classroom. Jenny has completed an Advanced Forest School and Outdoor Learning course and has recently gained an MA in Education.
Within our outdoor sessions, the children are provided with possibilities to support:
- their understanding of the world around them
- physical development (fine and gross motor skills)
- practicing natural art
- the use of simple tools
- trying their hand at den building
- using hammocks and slackline
- games
Jenny’s training through The Therapeutic Forest enables these sessions to support and recognise learner needs with a strategic focus in promoting positive mental health. The sessions foster a sense of wellbeing, supporting confidence and self-esteem. Each year group is offered seasonal activity possibilities, making the most of the time of year – learning about the trees in our wonderful spinney; trying our hand at tool work; cooking on the fire; team games and natural art.
How does this link to the curriculum?
The sessions are not written with the curriculum in mind. However, there are lots of opportunities for the curriculum to be linked through the natural course of the sessions, whether it is through looking at the symmetry of natural art; counting and sequencing sticks by size; exploring trees and learning about identifying leaves and different flowers; looking at soil composition and decomposition (naturally occurring); and considering liquids and solids through candle balm making. Our Spinney provides a natural learning environment and is used, particularly, for key stage 1.
There is ample research associated with being out in nature and positive mental health. At Whitehills Primary School we acknowledge the impact of skill development through attending Forest School and the growth of ‘hidden skills’, which support classroom learning.
In addition, Jenny offers a popular after school Forest School club and Eco club.
Assessing risk
A very important element of Forest School is allowing children to look at risks and how to evaluate them. The children will be encouraged to explore, climb, balance and to be imaginative and free in their play. Some will be introduced to tools and our fire circle will be developed and used, though, tool and fire activities will only be offered if it is felt appropriate and safe to do so.
A copy of the Risk Assessment is available on request.
