The Forest School Ethos

The ethos of Forest School is based on a fundamental respect for children and young people and for their capacity to instigate, test and maintain curiosity in the world around them. It believes in childrens right to play; the right to access the outdoors (and in particular a woodland environment); the right to access risk and the vibrant reality of the natural world; and the right to experience a healthy range of emotions through all the challenges of social interaction; to build a resilience that will enable continued and creative engagement with their peers and their potential.

Forest School is based more on the process of learning than it is on the content – more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’. While sessions encourage child-led exploration, they are supported by intentional teaching and guided learning experiences and naturally venture collaboratively into the realms of the unplanned, unexpected and ultimately unlimited. Children and young people are given encouragement to direct their own learning. This is facilitated by the Forest School leader through stimulating play and discovery in the outdoors.

A woodland environment is central in supporting this very dynamic approach to learning: the passage of time, from the changing of the seasons, to the contemplation of an ancient tree; the dynamic nature of an outdoor environment – an infinite source of smells, textures, sounds and tastes; a range of visual stimuli from near to far, high to low, very big to very small; and the infinite layers of historical, cultural, spiritual and mythological significance that speak of our deep relationship with trees and woodland through the ages.

At Forest Freedom our aim to use the Forest School ethos to drive imaginative and creative sessions for our Frog Army, by creating sessions to ensure children grow and develop their self esteem and confidence; understanding the importance of teamwork and independent play; taking calculated risks in a safe and fun environment. We get outdoors regardless of the weather, so we can fully explore what all the seasons have to offer!