Forest School Activities within our curriculum

Forest School is a child-led, play-based ethos that allows children to explore, learn and play during regular sessions in a natural, outdoor environment. Seasonal changes and the great British weather allow children to experience nature first hand and develop an appreciation of the plants and animals that share our world. Children can pursue their own interests, taking risks in a supportive environment, and this helps build their self-esteem, team working ability and resilience.

At Whitefield, all children in Reception attend weekly Forest School Sessions, led by an experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader. Sessions complement our Early Years curriculum and our commitment to supporting a culture of positive mental wellbeing through our My Happy Mind scheme.

Year 3 Forest School Activity Club

Reception Forest School Activity Curriculum

Reception – Autumn 2024
This term at Forest School we are…
Playing games and taking part in activities that will help us get to know each other and our Forest School site. We are beginning to learn about the range of plants and wildlife in our school, and how to identify and protect them. We are starting to learn how to keep ourselves dry and warm, and other ways that we can keep ourselves safe when we are outdoors. We are learning how to hunt for minibeasts and starting to develop our understanding of a range of habitats.

Reception Winter 2024-2025

We have started to use tools at Forest School, learning to safely use a hammer on a pumpkin before progressing to real nails and wood.  We have been exploring our school grounds, finding the best climbing and swinging trees, and learning to recognise different natural features.  We have learnt some facts about the hedgehogs that live on our site and why they hibernate.