At Rupert House the children in Nursery and Reception spend one session a week at Forest School.

Our ‘forest’ is a small fenced area on the school playing field.  Whilst there are plenty of mature trees round the playing field and the edge of Forest School,  trees within the area are only small saplings.  There is a fire area with logs for sitting on and this forms our ‘base’ whilst in Forest School.  Temporary shelters can be erected if necessary. There is a grassy bank (for running and rolling down) , a willow tunnel to explore and wood piles to attract insects and small mammals.  Rabbits, squirrels and birds are evident everywhere and even the occasional fox.   The children are encouraged to investigate and explore but also to respect all living things. 

Children learn best from first hand experiences. Exploring, playing and learning using a range of activities (both designed by the leader and instigated by the children themselves) is what Forest School is all about.  Building a sense of independence, high self-esteem and team work are important parts of forest school but health and safety considerations are of paramount importance, especially as,  during the course of the year,  we will light fires and prepare and cook food over them.  The children are also taught the safe use of tools.

As the children play they learn boundaries of behaviour both physical and social.  They grow in confidence, self esteem and self motivation.  They learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.