Arkwright 
Forest School
We are proud to be offering Forest School sessions at Arkwright Primary School to our EYFS learners, but what exactly is Forest School?
Forest School is a child-centred, inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.
Forest School began in Scandinavia. It arrived in the UK in 1993 and has grown from strength to strength since then. Please watch this 5 minute video to give you a feel for what it’s about.
Case studies have shown children can:
- Develop self-regulation skills.
- Cope with and learn from failure.
- Build resilience (the skill of coping with risk and failure).
- Gain a sense of achievement.
- Increase motivation and concentration.
- Improve problem solving.
- Expand their vocabulary and communication skills.
- Feel empowered and have new perspectives.
- Build positive relationships with adults and peers.
- Have overall improved wellbeing and mental health.
Forest School can increase a child’s confidence and self-esteem through exploration, problem solving, and being encouraged to learn how to assess and take appropriate risks depending on their environment.
Within Arkwright School grounds, we are lucky to have a large field and an area among trees, bushes and growing beds, but we sometimes visit outside the school grounds too, making use of the local pond and surrounding trees.
What does your child need?
We attend Forest School sessions in all weathers, so please send your child in suitable, outdoor wear on Forest School days. Wellies and waterproofs are needed for wet days, extra layers for cold days and sun hats and sun cream already applied at home on sunny days. Spare socks are handy for when they return from wet weather. Please label clothing to ensure their return.
Further Information please see the following webpages
The School Run - Forest School