Forest School
Forest School is an educational model which encourages holistic, social, emotional, intellectual, physical, character and spiritual development through exploration of and engagement with the natural world. Spending regular time in a wood is a wonderful chance for children to connect with nature. Activities are designed to suit a range of learning styles and engage children in various ways. The programme helps to build self-esteem, communication skills, independence and self-confidence.
Forest School meets Every Child Matters outcomes and is an excellent way to support the National Curriculum and consolidate learning in the classroom.
Forest School sessions involve a variety of nature-based activities with time for free play and exploration and take place in the Wildlife Area, a fenced woodland enclosure. Our Forest School programme consists of six weekly two-hour sessions, usually within a half term period. We can also provide one-off taster sessions for groups to gain an experience of Forest School. We can cater for preschool to secondary groups and accommodate two groups of up to 20 children concurrently. Sessions are led by an experienced Forest School Facilitator and have clear curriculum-linked objectives. In each session the group will participate in a variety of open- ended activities incorporating free play and exploration.
The Forest School site is in a secured fenced area of mature woodland with access to a pond and grasslands. All activities and the site are risk assessed. Our staff are Level 3 Forest School leaders and trained in outdoor and paediatric first aid.
The content of the programme will be devised according to the group’s age, interests and needs. Forest School encompasses a range of outdoor activities from within the following categories:
- field study activities
- sensory games
- bushcraft
- woodland arts and crafts
- team building
- physical play
- construction
- natural exploration
- wildlife conservation
- imaginative activities
Tool use can be incorporated into the Forest School programme. When appropriate, groups will be taught to use a variety of tools under close adult supervision.
Important information
- We offer six-week programmes for learners of all ages.
- One-off taster sessions are also available.
- Forest School programmes can be run throughout the year - spring and autumn are ideal times to observe seasonal change.
- Two forest sites are available. Each site can accommodate up to 20 children (if your class is larger than 20 it will be split into two groups lead by separate Forest School leaders).
- Visiting schools should also complete their own risk assessments.
- Self-led options are available.
- Arranging your Forest School sessions
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After a request has been received, we will email you to confirm the dates, timings and details of your booking. A formal confirmation email will then be sent with our Forest School Handbook which details how the programme works, outlines the roles and responsibilities, covers health and safety procedures and contains risk assessments for the various activities. The group leader should read and agree this information before the start of their Forest School sessions.
Group leaders who have not attended our Forest School sessions before are requested to book a pre-visit to familiarise themselves the site, and to discuss the needs of the group and any logistics including arranging the meeting point.
The meeting point will depend on how the group is getting to the park and if it is decided that they should use the toilets before the start of the session.
- Preparing for your session
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Please ensure that you have read the Forest School Handbook and shared it with any other group leaders. Please check with all participants (including accompanying adults) for any allergies that we should be noted of (such as wasp or bee stings, nuts, ivy). Do check the weather forecast but be prepared for wet conditions.
Recommended clothing and sundries:
- Spring: waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, long sleeved top, trousers/covered legs
- Summer: waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, trousers/covered legs, sunhat, sun cream, water bottle
- Autumn: waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, long sleeved top, trousers/covered legs
- Winter: waterproof and warm jacket, sturdy footwear, long sleeved top, trousers/covered legs, hat, gloves
We will run the session in all weathers unless conditions are deemed hazardous (electrical storms or storm force winds). When rain is predicted we erect a tarpaulin shelter over the sitting circle and in cases of heavy rain we may amend the session to spend less time outside or avoid more exposed areas.
- On the day of your session
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We will meet the group at the predesignated meeting point. We will then take the group to the Wildlife Area and stop on the way to outline any health and safety issues relating to the outdoor activities.
The session will start in the Forest School sitting circle followed by an activity to help the group familiarise themselves with the site and its boundaries. We will then run the session with a range of activities often relating to an overall theme but with a flexible and child-centred learning approach. There will be time for independent exploration and play.
We end back in the sitting circle with the group reflecting on the session.
During the session the group leader(s) take overall responsibility for the behaviour and welfare of the group. The Ecology Centre staff will ensure the safety of the group and take regular headcounts. The full roles and responsibilities are outlined in the Forest School Handbook.
After the completion of the outdoor activities we will return with the group to the meeting point, going via the Ecology Centre to wash hands if necessary.
- After your visit
- Payment
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Groups will be invoiced in advance for their Forest School sessions.
Forest School fees and charges April 2024 - March 2025
| Environmental Education session led groups | RBKC state schools | RBKC private schools and non-RBKC schools |
|---|---|---|
| Total charge for 6-week Forest School programme (20 children maximum). The same group returns each week. | £431 | £574 |
| Attendance charge for using Wildlife Area (per pupil) – up to 2 hours. This is for self-led groups, either environmental education or Forest School. | £3.50 | £4.50 |
| Taster session - up to 2 hours (up to 20 children). Charge for one-off sessions. | £84 | £114 |
Booking information
Please contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements and make a booking. After booking, a confirmation pack containing information about your Forest School sessions and risk assessments will be sent to you. A pre-visit can also be arranged and is strongly advised.
Our programme may also be run at other sites across the borough.
Before your school visit to the Ecology Centre you will receive an invoice which must be paid in full within 30 days of the invoice date. Once the payment has been received, we will email you confirming the invoice has been paid.
Supervision
All children must be supervised by adults on visits to the Ecology Centre.
Recommended ratios of adults to children of visiting groups:
- Early years - 1:4 ratio
- Infants - 1:6 ratio
- Juniors - 1:8 ratio
- The maximum group size is 20.
- Teachers must take full responsibility for the group whilst attending the Ecology Centre sessions.
- Risk assessment must be completed by the school.