Learning, Exploring and Growing Outdoors

Forest School has been an important part of life at Thrussington CE Primary School since 2012. Led by Miss Berry, our Forest School sessions give children the opportunity to learn, explore and have fun in the great outdoors.

Every year group enjoys a five-week block of Forest School sessions each year. These sessions provide children with memorable, hands-on experiences that develop confidence, independence, resilience and a love of the natural world.

Through regular outdoor experiences, children are encouraged to take appropriate risks, solve problems, work together and develop new skills. Just as importantly, Forest School provides time and space to be curious, imaginative and connected with the world around them.

What Do We Do at Forest School?

There is always something exciting to discover at Forest School. Children have the opportunity to:

• 🌳 Build dens – working together to design and construct shelters using natural materials.
• 🐛 Go bug hunting – exploring the woodland, discovering minibeasts and learning about the creatures that share our environment.
• 🪵 Try whittling – developing practical skills, concentration and patience while learning how to use tools safely.
• 🔥 Enjoy a campfire – sessions often include time around the fire, giving children an opportunity to come together, talk and reflect on their adventures.
• 🍕 Cook outdoors – children love preparing and cooking food over the fire. Depending on the session, this might include freshly baked bread, pizzas, pancakes and other tasty treats.
• 🌿 Explore and create – using natural materials, seasonal discoveries and the environment itself as inspiration for play, investigation and creativity.

From building a den to cooking around the campfire, there is always an adventure waiting at Forest School!

The Benefits of Forest School

Taking learning beyond the classroom and providing children with achievable challenges can help to build confidence, independence and self-esteem, while supporting learning across many different areas.

A simple activity such as building a den, for example, can involve:

• Physical development – collecting, carrying and joining sticks and branches.
• Problem solving – deciding how and where to construct the den.
• Communication and language – discussing ideas, explaining choices and working together.
• Listening skills – following instructions and responding to others.
• Emotional development – experiencing the sense of wellbeing and achievement that comes from working as part of a team.
• Confidence and self-esteem – completing a challenge and creating something to be proud of.
• Social development – sharing, negotiating, cooperating and taking turns.

Forest School is not simply about completing an activity; it is about giving children opportunities to discover what they are capable of.

If You Go Down to the Woods...

Forest School uses the outdoor environment to support children’s learning and development, helping to build confidence, self-esteem, independence and a growing sense of responsibility.

Learning is child-led wherever possible. Children are encouraged to make decisions, explore their own ideas, solve problems and follow their curiosity. This approach links particularly well with the Early Years Foundation Stage, where different areas of learning naturally overlap and can be explored together.

Spending extended periods outdoors also gives children something that can be harder to find in a busy classroom: time.

With fewer time constraints, children can become deeply absorbed in open-ended play, exploration and investigation. They are able to follow their own ideas, adapt them, work alongside others and discover where their curiosity takes them.

Careful observation is an important part of Forest School too. By watching how children approach different activities and challenges, adults can gain a greater understanding of individual interests, strengths and preferred ways of learning. We can then support and extend that learning by introducing additional resources, ideas or gentle facilitation when appropriate.

Learning for Life

Taking learning outside the classroom, creating a supportive environment and offering achievable challenges can help children to develop:

• increased self-esteem and self-confidence
• stronger social skills
• language and communication skills
• physical and motor skills
• motivation, concentration and perseverance
• knowledge and understanding of the natural environment
• independence, creativity and problem-solving skills
• resilience and the confidence to try again
• new perspectives and ways of approaching challenges.

These skills do not stay in the woods. The confidence, resilience, communication and independence developed through Forest School can support children’s learning and wellbeing back in the classroom too.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Forest School is about much more than simply being outdoors.

It gives children opportunities to take appropriate risks, solve problems, work as a team and develop their independence. Children learn to persevere when things do not go to plan and experience the satisfaction of mastering new skills.

Sessions are carefully planned while still allowing space for children’s own ideas, interests and discoveries. Activities and experiences are adapted to suit different ages, abilities and curriculum needs, ensuring that all children can participate, explore and benefit from learning outdoors.

Most importantly, Forest School gives our children the time and freedom to explore, discover and enjoy being outside. We hope that through these experiences they develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the confidence to try new things.

How It All Began

“I first heard about Forest School in 2012 when I attended a taster session in Little Dalby. I was immediately drawn to the ethos of using the outdoor environment to support children’s learning and development – something I have always been passionate about – and I went on to train as a Forest School Leader.”

Following the training, work began to create a Forest School site here at Thrussington.

We are fortunate to have a large recreational area within the school grounds, part of which was designated as our Forest School. Sixty saplings donated by the Woodland Trust were planted to begin creating a natural boundary, alongside six more established trees generously purchased by a former parent.

Our original base camp even has its own story. After noticing tree stumps outside the village church following a Christmas performance, Miss Berry tracked down their owners at the local council. The council kindly agreed that the school could have them – and delivered them that very day!

Gradually, the Forest School began to take shape.

Resource boxes were created to encourage exploration and imaginative learning, including equipment for minibeast hunting, digging, creative activities and imaginative play. A resource centre was later added so that children could independently access materials to extend their ideas and learning.

A Community Effort

Families and members of our wider community have played an important part in the development of Forest School.

Over the years, parents have supported us by providing suitable outdoor clothing, making wooden welly racks, donating resources and sharing their own skills with the children, including den-building sessions and supplying willow.

We are always grateful for contributions to Forest School, whether that is through materials, resources, knowledge or practical skills.

Forest School Today

Since our first sessions began, Forest School has become a much-loved part of life at Thrussington.

The site itself has grown and changed alongside the children. Trees and plants established over the years have helped to create a wonderful natural environment in which pupils can explore, learn and flourish.

Have a look through our Forest School photographs to see some of the adventures, discoveries and learning that take place outdoors.

Meet Our Forest School Team

Miss Berry: Forest School Leader

Miss Berry founded Thrussington Primary Forest School after completing her Forest School training in 2012. She loves taking groups of children outdoors and watching their confidence, independence and curiosity grow.

One of the joys of Forest School has been seeing the site itself flourish too, as the trees and plants established over the years have matured alongside generations of Thrussington pupils.

Mrs Bennett: Forest School Helper

Mrs Bennett has been involved with Thrussington Primary Forest School since it began and continues to be an invaluable part of the team.

As we often say: every Forest School needs a Mrs B!