Forest School

Welcome to the Woods!

At Polesden Lacey Infant Academy, we believe in the power of the natural world to inspire learning and growth. Our Forest School programme provides vital opportunities for all pupils to engage with the natural environment through hands-on exploration, play, and guided activities, all within our secure school grounds.

This approach is more than just outdoor learning; it is a specialised, child-centred process that fosters holistic development, nurturing resilient, confident, and creative individuals. As the great naturalist David Attenborough once said, "No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced." Our Forest School is where that vital experience begins.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a long-term, cyclical process of regular sessions led by our qualified Forest School Leader. It is rooted in a fundamental respect for children and their capacity to initiate, investigate, and maintain curiosity in the world around them.

In our dedicated Forest School area, children lead their own play and learning, supported by the adult practitioner who scaffolds their interests. This immersive setting encourages the development of crucial skills that positively impact their overall school experience and beyond.

The Benefits for Our Pupils

Through healthy engagement with supported risk, problem-solving, and self-discovery, children gain a wealth of personal and academic benefits:

• Resilience and Confidence: Children learn to assess challenges, take supported risks, and build the confidence to adapt to new situations.

• Problem-Solving: Practical tasks like den building and using tools require teamwork, logical thinking, and creativity.

• Ecological Awareness: Pupils cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for their environment, fostering a sense of responsibility for our planet's well-being.

• Physical Development: Sessions enhance both fine motor skills (e.g., through knot tying and craft) and gross motor skills (e.g., climbing, balancing, and moving freely).

• Social and Emotional Growth: Collaborative experiences boost self-esteem, encourage empathy, and develop social-emotional intelligence.

• Curiosity and Motivation: Following their own natural interests and sense of "awe and wonder" strengthens their motivation and ability to concentrate for longer periods.

Our Forest School Sessions

Every child takes part in a whole afternoon Forest School session with our school-based Forest School Leader. We go out whatever the weather, so children truly experience the changing seasons and the dynamic nature of the outdoors!

Typical activities, often child-initiated but adult-enhanced, include:

• Bushcraft Skills: Learning to use tools safely (like whittling and sawing) and the basics of fire lighting in a controlled manner.

• Shelter Building: Working together to design and construct weatherproof dens and camps.

• Nature Exploration: Going on bug hunts, identifying local flora and fauna, and studying the woodland and wildlife.

• Creative Arts: Using natural materials for art, sculpture, and imaginative play, like making mud kitchens or creating natural crowns.

• Foraging: identifying and collecting nature's bounty, making jams, baking apples, creating natural dyes and making soap from conkers!

• Team Challenges: Taking part in group games and activities that require communication and teamwork.

Important Note on Clothing

To ensure every child can fully participate, we operate on the principle: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." We work with families to ensure all children have the appropriate layers and waterproofs to stay warm, dry, and protected during their session.