Forest School at Penketh
At Penketh Primary, we have our very own dedicated Forest School area and a programme which every year group will access throughout the year.
Each term, a different year group will attend Forest School every week for one afternoon, come rain or shine, where we harness the power of nature to support wellbeing and learning. Our carefully crafted sessions are built up progressively year on year, so that pupils develop skills in a range of situations.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is much more than just being outside playing in the mud, although we encourage a lot of that because it is good for us! Forest School is an inspirational, holistic approach to learning, focusing on building emotional intelligence, where children learn practical and social skills through self-initiated experiences and play.
Forest School can be quite a transformational experience for some children and most of our children say that Forest School is by far and away their most favourite activity at school.
“Nature connections are proven to help improve emotional regulation.”
During our programme, learners are encouraged to use natural resources to appreciate and understand the natural world. The experiences we offer will help learners to develop their sense of self, build a community and promote their physical wellbeing. Being outdoors in all kinds of weather, builds resilience, helps with mental health and you may even find sleep is better on a Forest School day.
The Forest School ethos is built around 5 key principles of emotional intelligence which makes up the whole child. These form the basis of our programme delivery.
Self awareness
Self regulation
Self motivation
Empathy
Social skills
Risky Play
Forest School does include some elements of risk and use of dangerous equipment. Please be reassured that your child will be taught how to use the equipment safely.
At the end of every half term we end with a small fire. Children will be taught how to move safely around the fire circle and learn about fire safety and being responsible. Children will also be supported to safely cook items on the fire.
Enjoying the outdoors whatever the weather!
Being able to be outdoors in different weather conditions helps children build up their resilience. We say there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing!
What happens in extreme weather?
Forest School will take place in all kinds of weather, so even if it is pouring with rain, we will be going outside. Therefore, it is really important that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.
Keeping everyone safe at Forest School is our upmost priority and there are some occasions when the weather may make it unsafe to go into the wooded area, such as in very high winds or lightening. Alternative arrangements will be made to deliver the session elsewhere if required, but children will still receive a nature based lesson.
Mud is good!
We know some people don’t like getting dirty, but mud really is good for you. Both in building up the immune system but also for our mental wellbeing. The smell in soil has been shown to boost serotonin and norepinephrine circulating in the systems of both humans and mice. In other words, it works in much the same manner as antidepressant pills.
This is why we encourage the children not to worry if they get dirty at Forest School, as it also helps to build their resilience.
“According to research, the dirt outside is teaming with friendly micro-organisms that can train the immune system and build resilience to a range of illnesses, including allergies, asthma and even depression and anxiety.” BBC Oct 2022
What to wear to Forest School?
Your child will enjoy their Forest School experience more if they are dressed appropriately for the conditions. The weather can be very changeable and unpredictable, so we therefore advocate layers! Please check the weather forecast on a Forest School day and make sure your child will be dressed warmly enough and don’t forget that those little feet can get very cold in wellies.
We recommend using the Met Office to check the weather. Take note of the “feels like temperature” as this can be some degrees lower than the predicted temperature.
The temperature in the woods is always a couple of degrees warmer in the winter and can be quite a few degrees lower in summer in the shade of the trees.
Below, you can download our recommended ‘What to Wear’ guides for each season.
What-to-wear-in-Autumn-to-Forest-School.pdf
What-to-wear-in-Spring-to-Forest-School.pdf