Forest Schools

Welcome to Forest School at Havannah!

Our Forest school is located at the bottom right corner of the school field. We have created an exciting outdoor space for the children to explore and engage in Forest School activities. Forest School takes place on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and is run by Rachel Hatton, our level 3 Forest School Leader.

Children in Pre School and Reception have a 1 hour session every fortnight throughout the school year.

Years 1-6 have a 1 hour session three weekly throughout the school year.

We also run a SEND session which takes place every week.

What is ‘Forest Schools’?

History of Forest Schools

‘Forest schools’ originates from Scandinavia as an approach to early year’s education. Following the positive impact identified on self-esteem, confidence and the ability to work in groups, the concept has been developed worldwide as a tool for working with people of all ages and abilities.

What are ‘Forest Schools’?

The philosophy of ‘Forest Schools’ is to engage participants through positive experiences and achievable tasks to develop personal, social and emotional development.

Woodland areas are used as environments for Forest School practitioners to facilitate a wide variety of ‘hands on’ activities and experiences. It can be used within a multi activity outdoor learning programme or ‘stand alone’ as a Forest Schools programme.

‘Forest Schools’ activities have proved to be particularly effective at working with young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Learning outcomes from these activities include:

– Developing communication skills

– Developing trust and empathy

– Working with others positively

– Increased self confidence and self esteem

– Fostering a sense of achievement and success.

Here's a list of the kind of activities your child might take part in during Forest Schools

Tool Work – Children will be taught how to use tools safety and under 1:1 supervision with the Forest School Leader. Tools you can expect your child to learn about are whittling knives, palm drills, flint and steels and Bow Saws.

Fire – We regularly build fires during our Forest School Sessions. We learn to start and maintain a fire and we introduce the children to some basic cooking on the fire.

Rope Swings- We have 3 rope swings in Forest School for the children to enjoy

Observing Nature- We have a small pond which is home to tadpoles and frogs at certain times of the year. We also base some activities on minibeasts and wildlife found in the area.

Team Games

Scavenger Hunts

Identifying flora and fauna- We identify the species of trees we have at Havannah, as well as the seeds they produce, and the flowers that grow.

Den and shelter building

Digging and building

Arts and Crafts- There is always an arts and crafts activity available during all sessions. These can be things like journey sticks, clay animals, colouring, painting, leaf and bark printing and much more!

Hapa Zome

Map skills and compass point activities

Small World Play

Natural Artwork

Files to Download

forest schools handbook.pdf