Forest School provides children with regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence through hands on learning in a woodland environment.

The key features of Forest School are:

  • use of a woodland setting
  • a high ratio of adults to pupils
  • learning linked to EYFS objectives
  • freedom to explore using multiple senses
  • regular contact for the children with Forest School over a significant period of time.

(O’Brien, L. & Murray, R. 2007)

Forest School was introduced at The Ark Nursery School in 2008 and is now an integral part of the nursery provision. All children have the opportunity to attend a block of six weekly sessions over the course of a year. Most children have more access than this, but it is dependent upon the number of days that they attend each week.

All sessions are led by a trained Forest School Leader.

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