Forest Schools provides an opportunity for child-lead learning through exploration, discovery, creativity and interaction with the natural world. During sessions children are free to follow their own interests and work a pace which suits them. The Forest Schools programme takes a holistic approach to education away from the more structured confines of a classroom. At Pilling St John’s we have our own dedicated Forest Schools Area on site. Throughout the year, children have designated Forest School sessions built into their timetable. These sessions not only help build on their curriculum learning but help to develop other key areas such as problem solving skills, confidence, social skills, independence, resilience, creativity and gross and fine motor skills. Our site briefly comprises of: an orchard of fruit trees and bushes, pond, fire circle, outdoor classroom, tree coverage for de building and such, wild flower area, mud kitchen and grassland. We are continually maintaining and developing our site to offer more experiences for our children at Pilling St John’s. Sessions take place year round whatever the weather and it is therefore important that children have the appropriate kit in school for these sessions. Ideally we like children to have: Warm clothing, full set of waterproofs or waterproof playsuit, wellies or boots and a dry change of clothes. Please bear in mind that children will be ‘playing out’ in these clothes and they are likely to get muddy, wet or damaged during play. It is therefore advisable to send them in clothes that don’t matter. Our children are very enthusiastic about their Forest School sessions and we hope to be able to share their learning with you throughout the year. We are hoping to be able to open our Forest Schools area to the wider community so that more and more people can reap the benefits of being outdoors and in touch with nature. This is especially important in our current climate, where we all lead such busy lives. After all, Forest Schools isn’t just for children, it’s for life long learning!

Forest School Equipment

For Forest Schools, your child will need the following:

• Wellies or boots that can get wet and muddy
• Waterproof jacket and trousers or all-in-one suit.
• Warm clothing to wear underneath  and hat (for winter)
• Sun cream and sun hat (for summer)
• Spare clothes (especially socks!) to get changed into afterwards.

Keep your eye on the link below for some in session Forest School snaps!