Fawley
Forest School
The whole school takes part in forest school sessions at Fawley Infant School.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a child led educational experience that takes place in the outdoors. It promotes, observes and supports the social, emotional and physical development of children in an outdoor setting, usually in woodland. It creates and provides opportunities for learning through play and activities such as building shelters, exploring and discovering the natural environment, making things using natural materials, using tools, playing games and experiencing basic outdoor cooking. The programme will progress according to the interests and needs of the group.
When and where does Forest School happen?
Although Forest School programmes are often run in woodlands this Forest School will actually take place on the school grounds. It will take place every Tuesday for year R and year 1 and Wednesdays for year 2.
Who is organising and running Forest School?
William Burns, Director of The Learning Ranger Ltd. will be leading the sessions, supported by Fawley Infant School staff.
William is a qualified teacher and Forest School level 3 trained. He is also DBS checked, Outdoor First Aid and Food Safety trained. The Learning Ranger is fully insured, including Public Liability, and activities are Risk Assessed.
What should my child wear and bring with them?
We fully endorse the saying that; “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!” It is very important that Forest School participants are dressed for any weather, and are able to stay dry and comfortable. This allows us to experience and enjoy the outdoor environment in all conditions. Please take the time to read the below information on what to wear, alternatively you can speak to the school or contact William Burns if you have any concerns.
Where can I find out more?
Forest Schools are taking place all over the country, led by a range of different organisations and schools and there is a wealth of information available on the internet.
WHAT TO WEAR AT FOREST SCHOOL
Children who are cold or uncomfortable can’t concentrate or enjoy the outdoor experience. Children in the right clothes won’t notice what the weather is doing!
- Assume that we will get muddy! Please ensure that clothing is washable, comfortable and not too new.
- Please avoid denim clothing – if jeans get wet they take a long time to dry and can be very cold and uncomfortable in the meantime.
- Several layers are more effective at keeping you warm than a single thick jumper or fleece – extra layers can always be taken off if you get too warm.
- A waterproof jacket is essential for Forest School, whatever the weather, to keep dry and comfortable. Waterproof trousers are also highly recommended as the children will be sitting on logs and playing in the leaves and undergrowth.
- The best footwear for Forest School is wellington boots.
- A hat is also a must – it will help retain body heat when it is cold and will protect from the sun in warm weather.
- Even in hot weather, long trousers and long sleeved shirt or top are a good idea – they help to protect skin from thorns, nettles, insect bites – including ticks, and sunburn.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen are both worth considering, depending on the weather conditions on the day. If required, please put them on at home before school as we will not be able to supply or apply these.
