KINGSTON IS PROUD TO BE A FOREST SCHOOL
Weekly two hour Forest School sessions at Kingston Primary School are delivered by Mrs Julie Ebbs (Second Nature Forest School) who trained as a Level 3 Forest School Leader with Cambium Sustainable & Essex Wildlife Trust in 2014. Forest School is not a place but is an ethos and practice. It is participant directed, play-based learning that is conducted outdoors. Mrs Ebbs is supported by a group of experienced parent/grandparent volunteers who act as role models, guides and facilitators for the children. UK Forest School is based on theories of the importance of outdoor learning and Scandinavian principals of the importance of open air, play-based education.
Summary Of the Principals of Forest School
- Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions rather than one off or infrequent visits.
- Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
- Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
- Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
- Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves.
- Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Forest School at Kingston Primary School starts at the beginning of the Foundation Stage year, usually late September. The children attend a block of 5 or 6 weeks, in groups of 10. All year groups travel by mini bus to Pound Wood or can stay on site and use the log circle/ school grounds if the weather is bad.
Years 1 and 2 attend Forest School in groups of 10 children and have three 2 hour sessions per year.
Years 3, 4,5 and 6 attend Forest School in groups of 15 children and have three 2 hour sessions per year.
Forest School sessions focus upon the social, cognitive, physical, motivational, language and communication, emotional, confidence and self esteem developments made by children. Classroom based learning is not for everyone. The outdoor environment to some children is the key to their education and development. We see them relax, master small achievable tasks and flourish in the outdoors.
What will my child do at Forest school?
Children will:
- Switch on their senses.
- Create art.
- Identify and learn about wildlife, trees and plants.
- Use natural materials and tools to make crafts.
- Make rope swings and rope bridges.
- Develop and enhance communication, social, emotional and physical skills during play.
- Den building.
- Mini beast hunts.
- Cook on an open fire.
- AND HAVE LOTS OF FUN in all seasons and all weather!
At Forest School there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. So we ask that children be fully prepared for the weather conditions. During these sessions it is not necessary for your child to wear school uniform – old warm clothing is best
During Spring/Summer
Sun hat
Light long sleeved top
Long trousers
Wellington boots or closed in shoes.
During Autumn/Winter
Warm waterproof coat
Waterproof trousers
Hat, scarf and gloves
Wellington boots
