Forest School
Forest School is an important part of life at Burley St Matthias! Miss Osborne, a teacher and trained Forest School specialist leads our provision which links carefully to our curriculum. Learning seamlessly flows between classroom and outside, Miss Osborne works closely with our class teachers and covers all sorts of topics including science, maths, writing, geography, history and more!
The children love taking their learning outside and we operate all year-round throughout all seasons creating nature’s very own classroom, without walls. We take a holistic approach to our Forest school sessions. We aim to connect children with the outdoors by promoting a child-led learning approach through exploration of the natural world and to develop a sense of belonging and stewardship of the local landscape.
Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the children as they grow in confidence, skills, and understanding. Forest School is a long-term outdoor programme of activities within a natural environment. Sessions are inclusive and supportive of those with additional needs. Forest School is particularly good at getting the best out of those who struggle with the demands of the classroom.
The ethos of Forest School allows learners the time and space to equip individuals with transferable skills, which can be used in different situations such as effective risk assessing, working as a team, supporting peers, and adaptability.
Without the constraints of a set curriculum, we are able to tailor our sessions to the needs and desires of children in a nurturing, relaxed, yet inspiring setting. By providing positive experiences and achievable tasks pupils are motivated and inspired. This enhances personal, social, and emotional skills such as independence and self-discovery.
Activities include campfire cooking, nature learning, natural crafts, shelter building, fire lighting, woodwork and tool use, and much more.
Our Forest activity sessions run in all weathers
(the only weather that may put a stop to sessions are lightning and extremely high wind).
To have a positive experience, children need to be dressed appropriately, so old, inexpensive clothes are most suitable.
These guidelines should help:
Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
All-in-one waterproofs are very useful, especially for younger children.
Layers – more in winter (2 isn’t enough!)
Long trousers (to avoid stinging nettles and scratching hazards)
Wellies/other waterproof boots/strong shoes/trainers suitable for all seasons.
Woolly hat, gloves & scarf
Sun hat (in summer/sunny weather)
THERAPEUTIC SESSIONS FOR PUPILS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES
Some of our pupils with additional needs attend a weekly therapeutic forest schools session with their supporting adults.
Therapeutic Forest School sessions are facilitated by our trained teacher and are designed for the inclusion of children and young people with a wide range of needs.
At the heart of our therapeutic sessions is the individual, meeting their needs and supporting their interests through learner-led exploration, investigation, and challenge. As sessions develop, a sense of community is nurtured where children and young people feel valued and respected.
