“Forest School is a child-centred inspirational process, that offers opportunities for holistic growths 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.”
http://forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/
At Meadows Nursery Forest School, we aim to create an inviting, trustful and respected space where children and employees are treated respectfully and equally. We aim to offer a healthy, safe, secure and inspiring learning environment where children can learn and grow.
We aim to provide high quality children centred approached and care by promoting the development of creativity, free choice, individuality and self-confidence.
Forest School Ethos
Principle 1: Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations, and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
Principle 2: Forest school takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Principle 3: Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners.
Principle 4: Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Principle 5: Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners wo continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Principle 6: Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
Our site
We operate out of the nursery at 5 Millerfield Place Edinburgh EH9 1LW and our Forest School sessions will be held in Blackford Hill and Pond Local Nature Reserve. We will travel there via bus and walking from nursery.
Our Forest School sessions will run on a 6 weeks blocks rotation to ensure all children at nursery have access to the sessions.
There are divers species of tress and wildlife along with pond and beautifully managed walks within the local nature reserve.
Clothing
Our intention is to go in all weathers and therefore children need waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. There is a sheltered area where we have a snack if the rain is heavy. Outings are rescheduled if the weather is considered a threat to the children’s safety or wellbeing.
Our Forest School typical day
A typical Forest School day starts with handover at nursery where children will have access to morning snack and prep prior to setting off. Once arriving at our Forest School site, we will collaboratively discuss, set up and familiarise ourselves to our areas. We will spend the day exploring, playing and crafting. With a lunch break in the middle of the day, we will end the session with a gathering time to discuss and reflect on our experiences before making our way back to nursery.
Our Forest School Session
Our Forest School session will be set up with different stations/areas such as cosy corners, creation station, sheltered facilities, hand washing station, food area.
Majority of the session will be child led free play with adult as facilitators. There will always be a station where structured play/learning is available to those who prefer to be role modelled by an adult.
Some of the examples of our experiences may include:
- Child led discovery/free play
- Observing the natural world
- Socialising with friends and relaxing
- Stories and songs to support Rhythm and Rhyme
- Creating habitat piles for minibeast
- Transient art and crafts using locally sourced sustainable materials
- Preparation/cooking food – Using tools safely
- Den building