The Forest School concept originated in Scandinavia and was then adopted in Denmark in the 1980’s as a solution to their lack of outdoor facilities for pre-school children. Forest Schools continues to gain a gradual increase in popularity in England.

Whilst many childcare settings have access to outdoor learning – to be classed as a Forest School entails a lot more.

The Forest School Association has six principles that enable a setting to be classed as a Forest School, these are;

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.
2. Sessions take place in a woodland or natural wooded environment, to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. They aim to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. Run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. They use a range of learner-centered processes to create a community for development and learning

Children’s House Nursery has secured Forest School sessions for our pre-school children at the Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus in Southwell.

If you’d like to find out more about our outdoor learning sessions for pre-school children, then call the nursery on 01636 378130 or email: admin@chsouthwell.co.uk.