Forest School
Intent
At Arlecdon Primary School, our Forest School curriculum aims to inspire a lifelong connection with the natural world while developing confident, resilient and independent learners. Through regular outdoor learning opportunities from EYFS to Year 6, children are encouraged to explore, investigate, problem-solve and take managed risks in a safe and supportive environment.
Forest School supports our commitment to developing the whole child by promoting physical health, emotional wellbeing, communication, teamwork and creativity. Children learn to respect and care for the environment while developing a sense of responsibility, curiosity and stewardship for the world around them. In EYFS, experiences are closely linked to the Development Matters framework, fostering exploration, active learning and positive relationships. As children progress through school, they build increasingly complex skills in outdoor learning, environmental awareness and personal development.
Implementation
Forest School is delivered through planned, progressive outdoor learning experiences from EYFS through to Year 6. Children have regular opportunities to engage with natural environments throughout the year, allowing them to experience seasonal changes and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Activities may include:
- Exploring local habitats and wildlife
- Fire safety and campfire cooking
- Shelter building and den construction
- Tool use and woodland crafts
- Nature identification and conservation projects
- Team-building and problem-solving challenges
- Outdoor art and creative activities
- Bushcraft and survival skills
- Risk assessment and safety awareness
In EYFS, outdoor learning promotes the Characteristics of Effective Learning through playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically. Forest School experiences support children’s development across all areas of learning, particularly Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Understanding the World.
Teachers and Forest School leaders carefully plan activities to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring children develop confidence, independence and resilience while applying skills learned across the wider curriculum.
Impact
Through Forest School, children develop a strong sense of self-belief, resilience and independence. They become confident learners who are willing to take risks, solve problems and persevere when faced with challenges.
Children demonstrate:
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Stronger communication and teamwork skills
- Greater resilience and perseverance
- Improved physical coordination and motor skills
- Enhanced wellbeing and emotional regulation
- A deeper understanding of nature and environmental responsibility
- Increased creativity and curiosity
- The ability to assess and manage risks safely
- Positive attitudes towards learning both indoors and outdoors
By the time pupils leave Arlecdon Primary School, they have developed a lasting appreciation of the natural environment and possess the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to become responsible, resilient and reflective citizens. Forest School experiences help children flourish academically, socially and emotionally, creating memorable learning opportunities that support success throughout their educational journey and beyond.
