Outdoor learning and Forest Schools

Forest school learning is not simply taking classroom learning outdoors – it is a whole ethos and approach to provision. At Rivendell FHA, we host weekly Forest school sessions with our qualified teaching staff and provide a onsite venue to host a range of outdoor learning opportunities. 

Forest Schools are a unique way of building independence, self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning in children and young people as they explore and experience the natural world for themselves.

A combination of freedom and responsibility is beneficial to children with little confidence or challenging behaviour. Valuable life skills are learnt – communication, team working and responsibility.

It has 6 key principles:

• It’s a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions.
• It takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
• Aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners
• Children are allowed take risks which are appropriate for themselves.
• Forest School Programs are run by qualified Forest School practitioners.
• Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

If your school decides Forest Schools is an approach to be considered please visit:https://www.forestschools.com