At Our Lady and St Joseph’s, Forest School supports our commitment to “Searching faithfully for excellence,” rooted in our Gospel values of love, respect, stewardship, honesty, hope, justice and forgiveness. We believe that learning outdoors gives children valuable opportunities to explore God’s creation, develop confidence and build positive relationships. Through practical experiences in the natural environment, children nurture their curiosity, develop independence and learn to care for the world around them.

Key Aims

Our Forest School provision aims to develop children’s confidence, resilience and wellbeing through meaningful outdoor experiences. We strive to:

• Encourage curiosity, exploration and a sense of wonder about the natural world.

• Develop independence, perseverance and confidence when approaching new challenges.

• Strengthen communication, cooperation and problem-solving skills.

• Support physical development through active, practical learning.

• Help children recognise risks and learn how to manage them appropriately.

• Develop respect for living things and a sense of responsibility for the environment.

Content and Skills

All year groups take part in Forest School, giving children across our school opportunities to learn and develop outdoors. Children in Foundation Stage—Nursery and Reception—take part every Friday, building familiarity with the environment and experiencing changes throughout the seasons.

Forest School provides opportunities for children to learn through exploration, play and practical activities. Experiences respond to children’s interests, developmental needs and the changing seasons. Children have opportunities to:

• Observe seasonal changes and explore the features of the natural environment.

• Investigate natural materials, noticing their properties and considering how they can be used.

• Develop coordination, balance and physical confidence through outdoor challenges.

• Work together to build, create and solve practical problems.

• Use natural materials imaginatively in artwork, storytelling and play.

• Learn routines for keeping themselves and others safe outdoors.

• Care for plants, wildlife and habitats, putting stewardship into practice.

Adults support children to make choices, develop their ideas and reflect on their experiences. Activities are adapted so that every child can participate and experience success.

Progression

Learning develops through repeated opportunities to explore, practise and revisit skills. Children begin by becoming familiar with the outdoor environment, learning boundaries and establishing safe routines.

As confidence grows, they take greater responsibility for their choices, attempt more challenging tasks and work with increasing independence. They learn to select materials, adapt their ideas, assess manageable risks and persevere when something does not work as expected.

Adults observe children’s engagement, communication and developing skills to plan appropriate support and further challenges. Progress is recognised through individual achievements, growing confidence and children’s ability to apply their learning in different situations.

Wider Impact

Forest School supports children’s physical and emotional wellbeing by providing time to be active, connect with nature and experience a sense of achievement. It creates opportunities for children to discover strengths, build friendships and develop confidence that extends into other areas of school life.

Shared experiences encourage patience, kindness and respect. Children learn to listen to one another, cooperate and recognise how their actions affect others and the environment.

Through Forest School, we aim to nurture resilient, thoughtful and resourceful children who value the natural world and understand their role in caring for God’s creation.