What is a Forest School?
“Forest School is a child-centered inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term 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.”
The 6 principles
1. A Forest School is a long-term process of sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit.
2. Hosted in a natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. Promotes the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners
4. Offers the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. Facilitated by qualified practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. Utilizes a range of learner-centered processes to create a community for development and learning.
(Adopted from the Forest School Association)