Forest School is an inspirational practice that offers children opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem, as well as foster achievement through hands on learning experiences in a woodland environment. Furthermore, Forest School promotes communication, problem solving and social skills as well as builds confidence in decision making and evaluating risk.
Forest School originated in Europe in the early 20th century as a way of teaching about the natural world. By the 1980’s it became part of the Danish early years programme and was brought to the UK in the 1990’s.
Forest School is a child-led educational process that promotes, observes and explicitly supports the social, emotional and physical development of children in a woodland surrounding.
Our aim is for Forest School to be an extension to the Curriculum that we offer at Huggie Bears Family Childcare and to allow children to learn and develop through this. For example, studies of Forest School have been shown to greatly increase children’s self-esteem and self-confidence, concentration as well as have better coordination skills. Forest School is led by an Advanced Forest School Leader.
Example of Forest School activities include; Woodland and traditional craft, art and sculpture work, studying wildlife as well as invitations for imaginative play!