Forest School

Forest School

Our Rising 4s have the opportunity to experience Forest School at Well End Scout Activity Centre, working with our Forest School leader Caroline from Down the Woods.

Forest School gives children the freedom to learn, explore and discover in the natural environment. Being outdoors offers a different kind of learning experience, where children can follow their curiosity, make choices and learn through hands-on experiences.

Forest School supports children’s confidence, resilience and independence as they are encouraged to try new things, manage appropriate risks and keep going when something feels challenging. It develops problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills, while working together helps children develop cooperation, turn-taking and an understanding of others.

There are also important benefits for children’s wellbeing and emotional development. Spending time outdoors, being active and having the freedom to explore can help children feel calm, connected and engaged. Children have opportunities to test their own ideas, experience success, learn from things that don’t work and develop a growing sense of what they can do for themselves.

The natural environment provides endless opportunities for open-ended, imaginative and child-led play. Children might climb, investigate sounds, tell stories, put on puppet shows, sing, explore with torches or gather around the campfire. One of the children's favourite experiences is cooking waffles over the campfire, giving them the opportunity to develop practical skills, follow a process and enjoy the sense of achievement that comes from making something themselves.

Forest School also supports children’s physical development through climbing, balancing, running, moving over different surfaces and navigating the outdoor environment. They experience nature in different weather conditions and begin to develop an appreciation and respect for the world around them.

Most importantly, Forest School gives children the time and space to be curious, take the lead and enjoy being outdoors. It is about giving children real experiences, allowing them to challenge themselves at their own pace and creating memories that stay with them long after their Forest School sessions have finished.

‘We had a wonderful experience with Forest School during our daughter’s nursery year. She absolutely loved attending and always came home excited to tell us about what she had been doing. It was lovely to see her become more confident, independent and curious while spending time outdoors and exploring nature. The activities were fun, engaging and gave her the opportunity to learn through play and hands-on experiences. We are very grateful to the Forest School team for creating such a positive and enjoyable experience for her. She has so many happy memories from her time there, and we would highly recommend Forest School to other families.’

‘Forest School is an activity our kids have always absolutely loved! Although the wet and muddy weather can make things a little chaotic when they get home, the wetter and muddier, the better the experience seems to be for them! Being outdoors, getting hands on with nature and learning through exploring is such a fantastic experience. We also always get the best photos and videos from Forest School, you can really see how much fun they’re having!’

‘Forest School quickly became the highlight of our son’s week. He absolutely loved his time outdoors, exploring, discovering and learning in such a fun and relaxed environment. It was wonderful to see his confidence grow as he enjoyed new experiences and spent time in outside the classroom. We couldn’t recommend it more!’

‘The children have the best time exploring, getting muddy, discovering nature and having little adventures in the woods. They make wonderful crafts, enjoy a hot chocolate and come home full of excitement. Forest School gives the children the chance to explore, be creative and simply enjoy being children. It’s such a wonderful experience, and we absolutely love hearing about all their adventures! It’s fantastic!!’

‘My children absolutely loved Forest School and it quickly became their favourite activity at Gilah. It is such a lovely and unique thing to do, and, in a world where children are often immersed in screens and the digital world, it is good for them to get in touch with nature again.’