Forest School

• EYFS Parental Engagement

Parents and families are encouraged to bring children into class during the staggered start to the day, making them feel welcome and at ease with staff. We also provide parents and families many opportunities to engage with their child’s learning and become involved in school life, from ‘Learn with me’ sessions, demonstration sessions, to fun craft afternoons. This approach has been successful in engaging our parents with school in a more positive way, allowing parents opportunity to discuss challenges and successes and/or to share any concerns or worries in a less formal way. Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

Forest Schools at Oakhill and Forest Park are run by Level 3 qualified Forest School Leaders, and give children the opportunity to develop social, physical, and practical skills in their outdoor areas.

The sessions develop a connection to the natural environment, promote wellbeing, and help participants to become healthy, resilient, creative and independent learners.