Having the chance to shine, to experience personal satisfaction, enjoyment and achievement is good for anyone. It increases motivation and general happiness in life. All children and young people deserve to experience this!
Children love learning outside and at South Downs Forest School we offer a wide range of bespoke Forest School Programmes and Outdoor Learning events to support children and young people from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds with their learning, development and wellbeing.
Overwhelming evidence shows that children are often happier learning outside; rich, exciting and stimulating, woodlands provide opportunities to learn a wide range of skills as well as develop emotional intelligence, resilience and well being.
We are passionate about getting children and young people back into contact with nature and support them in discovering this rich and stimulating learning environment. If you have a group of children that would like to come and experience a Forest School programme or Outdoor Learning session, we can offer bespoke programmes or events to suit your needs. Sessions are led by an enthusiastic teacher with experience in many fields of education, Forest School, Outdoor Learning, Special Educational Needs and Well Being.
We believe that the Forest School experience, with its strong element of self-directed learning over an extended period, encourages self confidence, self esteem, problem solving and team building. Enriched Outdoor Learning translates to healthier, happier children with improved performance, in terms of both learning, behaviour and mental health.
Early Years and Reception
(We now run an Under 5’s group)
Forest School programmes and Outdoor Learning provide a rich sensory based environment for the very young to immerse in sight, sound and sensation of nature. Surrounded by a rich tapestry of stimuli found in a woodland, young learners are encouraged to explore different materials, are supported in developing their physical abilities and skills, as well as given plenty of opportunity to interact with others and improve their communication and social skills……… All experienced in a stunningly beautiful and warmly nurturing environment.
Primary Schools KS1 and KS2
The riches of the woodland environment and nature provide the perfect setting to support a wide range of curriculum links throughout the primary years. By developing creative and resilient thinkers, Forest School has shown, through studies, to improve performances in both Literacy and Numeracy back in the classroom, as well as improving mental health and well being. Happy and confident children make effective and inspired learners. A member of staff from a local primary school, bringing children (who receive Pupil Premium funding) regularly each week stated that :
‘ ‘The South Downs Forest School’ has provided the children with a unique and precious experience of Forest School. They have had the opportunity to use physical tools such as drills, saws and firelighters as well as draw on their own inner resources that sometimes struggle to emerge in the classroom environment. I have witnessed children improve their communication skills and work collaboratively and cohesively with their peers. Children who sometimes struggle to regulate their behaviour in the classroom seem to flourish in the forest. As one child explained :
‘ it’s because there aren’t any doors and windows and I feel free!’.
Under the gentle but firm guidance of the Forest School Leader, the children are able to naturally form trusting and bonding relationships with the adults and peers. Watching their faces each week is a truly magical experience and one that I feel equally humbled and privileged to be part of.’‘
Secondary School KS3 and KS4
The secondary school years can present many challenges and Forest School has been shown to be very effective in supporting students with transition from primary school, improvements in self-confidence and self esteem as well as supporting with managing behaviour and engagement in school, learning and attendance. The woodland is a calm, safe place for young people to have time and space to explore and discover and learn new skills using a variety of tools, choosing activities for each week. They learn to manage risk and make positive choices which transfer over time, to their home and school lives.
Special Educational Needs and Vulnerable Groups
Forest School and Outdoor Learning offer a unique educational hands-on, child-led experience for young people in a woodland environment and provides a host of benefits for vulnerable young people and / or with SEND . Forest School encourages children to learn outside at their own pace, setting goals and targets tailored to their individual needs, so they never feel under pressure. Forest School provides an education that is flexible and adaptable, inspiring curiosity which encourages individuals to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem through careful scaffolding and facilitating. Nature has the ability to provide sensory, practical and social experiences that are much more scarce inside the four walls of a classroom….. more…