Forest School at Alexandra CP School

Dear Parents,

It is planned that all children should have a ‘Forest School experience’ during their time at Alexandra School.  Your child’s class teacher will let you know which day they will be doing forest school.

Information about Forest School

Forest School is run by trained Leaders and aims to build up children’s skills, abilities and confidence week by week through practical hands-on activities in the outdoors. It gives them the chance to explore, learn and discover at their own pace in a safe and supportive space.

Forest School uses natural resources to stimulate imagination, creativity and investigation.

Activities can include:

• Woodwork using tools, e.g. making musical instruments, jewellery, decorative items
• Natural art
• Fire lighting
• Using knots and lashings
• Shelter building
• Bug hunts

There are many benefits to Forest School. For example, it can:

• Develop physical abilities and help participants to stay active and healthy.
• Heighten self-awareness and improve emotional and social skills.
• Promote co-operative and group working.
• Encourage children to take care of themselves and others.
• Foster care, appreciation and respect for wildlife and wild places.
• Broaden knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

Safety at Forest School

There is always a high adult to participant ratio at Forest School. All activities are thoroughly risk assessed before the start of each session and Leaders continue to monitor the safety of the group as activities progress. There is always a trained first aider present at each session and a written emergency plan to follow.

What your child needs to wear for Forest School

The Forest School sessions will take place entirely outside in the natural environment whatever the weather. We will provide a shelter from the elements, but it is still important that your child wears clothes that are waterproof and warm and that are OK to get wet and muddy.

Your child should wear:

• Waterproof coat
• Waterproof trousers (if they own a pair)
• Wellington boots (or sturdy walking boots/old trainers)
• Comfortable long trousers
• Comfortable, warm long sleeved top or fleece
• Thick socks if the weather’s cold - thermal if possible or two pairs of thinner ones
• Hat and gloves
• Two Bags to put forest school dirty clothes in and one for wellies

Children during forest school sessions will need to bring their forest school kit into school to change as children will get muddy, wet and dirty during sessions.  They will bring them home weekly, to avoid them getting smelly/mouldy in lockers.

If you have any old joggers or wellies at home that your child has grown out of and you would like to donate them to school so that we have a stock of spares, we would be very grateful.

Any questions regarding forest school sessions please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Many Thanks

Miss H Jones
Forest School Leader