Forest Schools
At Heatherside Juniors, we are extremely fortunate to have extensive grounds and outdoor space and a Mrs Braybrook (one of our Learning Support Assistants) is our trained Forest Leader. Along with her team, including Mrs Soldat, Mrs Hatcher, Mrs Douglas, Mrs Allchurch, Mrs McKeon and Mrs Shapley, children experience a range of learning and self-directed opportunities on our school site. Forest Schools is a nationally recognised approach to learning and can only be delivered by adults who have undertaken and completed extensive training.
The aim of Forest Schools is to give children engaging, interesting and attainable tasks in the school’s natural on-site woodland setting. As well as developing a better understanding of the natural world, children work with tools; manage risk; and take part in team building games. The sessions are based on a whole child learning experience, very much a holistic approach to help develop key life skills. Forest School activities help them to develop confidence in their own abilities; build resilience; and improve their social and communication skills. The aim is for these learnt skills to become a great foundation for their future academic achievement and personal development.
‘I will remember this until I’m really old’
‘Amazing … 10/10’
‘I loved Forest School so much it was the best thing ever. I did all of the activities I could do. I learnt how to make fires, tie knots and make awesome swings! Forest School made me feel so happy and I learnt loads of things I wouldn’t of learnt otherwise.’
Build resilience and perseverance
Wellbeing
‘I found Forest Schools very enjoyable. I looked forward to it every week and always came home with a smile on my face. I told my brother about it too and he can’t wait to be in Year 5 now!! P.S. I learnt many things too’
‘I loved Forest School so much it was the best thing ever. I did all of the activities I could do. I learnt how to make fires, tie knots and make awesome swings! Forest School made me feel so happy and I learnt loads of things I wouldn’t of learnt otherwise.’
Forest Schools sessions are offered to all children in Year 5 in addition to our Forest Fusion and Year 3 'Spring Forward' sessions which we have introduced to help support children's transition.
