Forest School

QUOTES FROM PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS

“Forest school has been a great experience for my daughter, since doing forest school regularly she has become more confident getting dirty and holding insects, she willingly picks them up now. “ Year 2 parent.

“Being a volunteer at Forest School I have seen first hand how wonderful it really is! Seeing the children have the freedom in an outside setting to learn through play. Them being able to socialise with others outside while building and developing their confidence. You can see they appreciate their surroundings and the nature life, whilst discovering and learning new things. Watching the childrens faces when they discover and learn exciting new things is very heartwarming“ Volunteer.

“I love that my child gets to attend forest school, being able to have this to experience within school I believe is very beneficial. Being outside in the fresh air surrounded by the outdoors learning new things. Being able to make their own choices in the setting that they wouldn't as such in a teacher lead classroom environment. Who doesn't like jumping in muddy puddles or making mud pie cakes! Coming home with mud on their faces and wellies you can tell it's been a great day! Even when they bring home their forest school creation too! “ Year 1 parent.

“ I've really enjoyed volunteering with forest school this term. Both my children have attended in their years at Drake, and have talked about it with great enthusiasm. As a parent volunteer, it's been wonderful to get involved. Watching the children's confidence grow and enabling them to experiment and learn about the environment around them.“ Year 4 parent and volunteer.

“I have really enjoyed watching the children exploring the forest school setting. Seeing them use their imagination to create games and activities using natural resources. They have all gained confidence and independence while exploring the great outdoors.“ Volunteer.

Nuts within the school grounds

All staff are aware of the many Hazel trees we have within the school grounds and inform their classes about the importance of not touching these or putting them in their mouths. Children who attend Forest School are reminded of this every session.

At Drake we learn about nature and the environment around us and therefore an important part of this is to identify and understand the uses of nuts, mushrooms, berries etc as well as the safety precautions we take around these.

Sara Star - 14/09/2020

An integral part of Forest Schools is to experience the outdoors in all weather. With the exception of very high winds and thunder storms, please assume your child will be outside, even if it is for a shortened session. To achieve this, children will need –

• Waterproof coat and trousers.
• Wellington boots or Walking boots (to keep their feet warm and dry).
• On sunny days a hat and sun cream.

These need to be in a separate bag to be taken to the Forest School outdoor classroom where the children will put them on.

Please bring your child into school wearing a long sleeve top, trousers (no shorts) and ensure no jewellery, including earrings, is being worn.

Children will more than likely get wet and muddy so please bring a change of clothes, including underwear, for your child to change into after the session.

Due to the current circumstances we are unable to provide any spares.

These need to be in a separate bag to be taken to the Forest School outdoor classroom where the children will put them on.

Thank you

Sara Star