Forest School

We believe that all children benefit physically, emotionally and socially from Forest School and have a right to take full advantage of the well documented benefits of outdoor, child led learning.

At Camestone, Forest School gives all children:

• regular time to explore the natural environment (at least 6 times a year)

• the opportunity to play and work together and independently

• chances to make choices and decisions for themselves

• support to respect, understand and value the natural environment

• support to thrive and develop self care strategies

• encouragement to develop characteristics that reflect Camestone Values

• experiences to help them learn to manage risks and challenges

What is Forest School?

Forest School is based on a Scandinavian approach which engages children in child-led learning in a woodland setting. Children learn practical skills and take supported risks. The benefits for health, well-being, self-esteem, social skills and personal development are well documented. It is led by qualified practitioners who facilitate activities based on children's interests, needs and choices.

A typical Forest School session might include:

• sensory exploration 

• relaxing and meditative activities

• representing ideas through natural art

• learning about the natural environment

• cooperative and competitive games

• physical challenges

• using a range of tools such as saws, drills and knives 

• lighting fires and cooking outdoors

• experiencing different weather and seasons

• team and individual challenges

• imaginative play and story telling

As children gain confidence and experience over the years, the level of adventurousness and risk can be raised. The aim is to teach children how to manage challenges and risks for themselves.

Forest School carries on in all weathers! The exceptions are thundery storms and high winds due to the risks involved.

The school is building a supply of suitable clothing and footwear and we always welcome donations of good quality items.

Meanwhile we ask that children wear the following.

In winter:

• warm clothes

• warm hat and gloves 

• waterproof coat

• boots or a change of footwear and a bag to put them in

• extra socks

• clothes that you don't mind getting muddy (or smoky from fire!)

• waterproof trousers if you have them

In summer:

• sun hat 

• sun cream 

• long sleeve top and trousers

• waterproof coat if it's wet

• boots or a change of footwear and a bag to put them in

Forest School can be adventurous and involve activities that COULD be dangerous.

We do everything reasonable to reduce risks. That includes having appropriate rules.

For example:

• The Golden Rules apply at all times in school

• No lick it, pick it or hit it with a stick! (we will explain a bit more what this means)

• If you are worried or in trouble, stay still and shout HELP ME!

• Only climb as high as your own height and only where you can climb down 

Fire Rules

• Stay outside the fire circle unless invited in 

• Use the kneeling 'respect' position 

• Never step inside the fire pit or reach over the fire

• Never attempt to light fires without an adult

Tool Rules

• Keep a safe bubble around the person using tools and respect the tool circle

• Wear a work glove on your 'helping hand'

• Carry, pass and store tools safely

• Listen to the instructions for using each tool e.g. knives pointing away and to the side

• Never attempt to use tools without an adult