Forest School FAQs

 

What is a Forest School?

Forest School is an inspirational educational philosophy that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve success and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a wild space or natural environment. Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor and woodland education (www.forestschoolassociation.org).

What are the principles?

Learn at your own pace, healthy positive wellbeing with yourself and others, make a deep connection with nature, take risks and challenge yourself, be confident to explore and discover new environments. We love to discuss this so feel free to give us a call!

Are you a school?

Footprints Outdoor Forest School Nursery is a registered early years setting and we follow the Early Years Framework through a Forest School approach. We run all other gatherings and events based on an unstructured child-led experience and allow nature to be the teacher.

What should I bring to Forest School?

Snacks, water, waterproofs and spare kit.

Can I drop my child off?

  • Home Education: Yes, over 5s

  • Family/Group Activities: No

  • After School Clubs: Yes

  • Holiday Clubs: Yes, over 5s

  • Family Holiday Events: No.

What are your Forest School ratios?

It all depends on the session/event. We offer 1:1, and we run small groups of 6-10 with one educator and bigger groups with 2/3 educators.

What are your qualifications?

We have an abundance of knowledge from teaching early years to secondary, environmental studies, bushcraft, horticulture and foraging. We all have First Aid Training including outdoor FA, enhanced DBS and SEND leads.

Do you just learn about Forest School?

We have a woodland space called Camp Footprints where children can roam, re-wild and learn a variety of skills. We can explore the 100 acres, go on an exploration and learn orienteering on the way. Maybe science is your thing? Experience the circle of life down at the pond or take the simpler approach - sit in a hammock, read a story, and enjoy some songs around the campfire. We want our community to able to learn in a natural space that provides them with risks, challenges and a love and respect for the environment.

Do you let our children have fires and use tools?

We do and it is always in a safe setting with a 1:1 ratio.

How does your Forest School help our climate?

We pledge to reduce our carbon footprint, re-use and recycle, plant a species-rich biodiversity and encourage Footprints’ community to do the same.