Forest School
Vibrant
Forest School is a strong and intentional element of our vibrant curriculum, contributing directly to pupils’ enjoyment of learning, personal development and readiness to learn well across the wider curriculum. Forest School provides weekly, carefully planned opportunities for pupils to learn through meaningful first-hand experiences in a natural environment, which increases engagement, motivation and curiosity.
The Forest School approach supports high-quality learning behaviours. Pupils are motivated, curious and actively engaged, demonstrating sustained concentration, creativity and perseverance. Through child-led exploration and play, pupils develop independence, problem-solving skills and confidence to take appropriate risks within a well-managed, safe environment. This strengthens pupils’ resilience and self-regulation, which positively impacts learning in the classroom.
Forest School makes a clear contribution to personal development, particularly pupils’ emotional wellbeing, social skills and physical health. Extended time outdoors promotes positive relationships, cooperation and empathy, while opportunities for supported risk-taking help pupils to manage emotions, respond constructively to challenge and develop confidence in their own capabilities.
Rooted
Forest School is deeply rooted in our Christian vision and values, providing pupils with meaningful opportunities to experience belonging, dignity and care within a safe and nurturing community. Forest School creates a calm, reflective environment where pupils feel known, valued and supported to flourish as unique individuals.
The Forest School ethos reflects our commitment to love, kindness, respect and stewardship. Pupils are explicitly taught to care for themselves, one another and the natural world, developing a strong moral framework that shapes behaviour and relationships. Through regular engagement with nature, pupils learn to respect creation, understand sustainability and recognise their responsibility to protect and nurture the environment, reinforcing the school’s values in lived, practical ways.
Forest School supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and emotional development. Time spent in natural, reflective spaces encourages pupils to pause, notice and wonder, fostering awe, gratitude and respect. Opportunities for reflection and collaboration help pupils to develop empathy, forgiveness and self-awareness, strengthening their character and emotional maturity.
Connected
Learning is purposeful and connected. Forest School enriches the taught curriculum by enabling pupils to apply knowledge and skills in real and relevant contexts, deepening understanding and making learning memorable. Strong links to environmental awareness and stewardship foster pupils’ respect for the natural world and support the development of responsible, thoughtful attitudes, in line with the school’s values.
As a result, Forest School strengthens pupils’ enthusiasm for learning, supports positive behaviour and wellbeing, and contributes to a curriculum that is alive, engaging and ambitious for all, ensuring pupils are well prepared to succeed academically and flourish as confident, resilient individuals.
Inclusive
Learning at Forest School is intentionally inclusive and relational. The child-centred approach ensures that experiences are shaped around pupils’ needs, interests and starting points, enabling all pupils to access success. Activities are flexible and open-ended, reducing barriers associated with traditional classroom learning and allowing pupils, including those with SEND or who may struggle with confidence, behaviour or emotional regulation, to engage positively and sustain learning.
Inclusion is further strengthened through equitable access. Practical barriers, such as clothing and equipment, are removed so that no pupil is disadvantaged. High adult-to-pupil ratios, skilled practitioners and a careful risk–benefit approach enable staff to personalise support while maintaining clear expectations for behaviour, independence and learning.
Forest School promotes positive relationships by encouraging collaboration, respectful conflict resolution and mutual support. The shared focus on caring for self, others and the environment reinforces common values and helps pupils to feel a strong sense of belonging within a supportive learning community.
As a result, Forest School strengthens pupils’ sense of identity and belonging, embedding the school’s Christian vision of dignity, love and compassion into daily practice. Learning is not only academically purposeful but also morally and spiritually grounded, supporting pupils to grow as compassionate, responsible and reflective citizens.
Our School Animals
We are delighted to look after our Guinea Pigs. Through shared care, pupils build confidence, cooperation and a sense of belonging, while calm interaction with animals supports wellbeing and emotional regulation.
Through our links with Southfields Farm, Biscuit the Goat comes to stay for the week in his own enclosure on the school field, and then is walked back to the farm for the weekend by Mrs Fenner.
Our animals play an important role in nurturing caring, responsible and thoughtful children who understand their role in caring for God’s creation.
In the Spring Term, Early Years children are trusted to look after some eggs from Southfields Farm. They watch them very carefully, using their self-control, and watch the chicks hatch from their eggs.
