The aim of forest schooling is to develop the skills of collaboration, cooperation, team building and awareness of the natural environment. The children in years 1-6  will spend a minimum of six sessions in the woods. They will develop their knowledge and understanding of the natural world and their forest school woodland in particular. It will become their special place and a sense of stewardship is crucial to the ethos of out forest school. Children will make their own choices, whilst understanding the risks and challenges of the task that they complete. Children will improve their understanding and appreciation of their outside environment and the impact of their own actions on a place. The children will be in the forest led by Mrs. Bugle, supported by other members of staff and parent helpers as our aim is to provide a very high adult/child ratio.

We use a piece of private woodland adjacent to Limbourne Lane, Fittleworth and we access Fittleworth Common. We are also currently planning an onsite Forest School area within our grounds so watch this space!

The children will take part in a range of tasks including:

• Exploring
• Helping to light our fire
• Gather wood for our fire
• Learn how to saw using a bow saw,
• Learn how to use a peeler in order to develop whittling skills,
• Begin to identify trees, plants, birds and animals,
• Learn to recognise animal tracks
• Shelter building
• Learn to use tools safely.
• Mud sculpting
• Treasure hunts
• Natural art
• Team building games
• Problem solving
• Environmental games