Forest School

We are an endorsed provider of Forest Schools and have received our Platinum Certificate from the Woodland Trust School Awards

Forest Schools at Drake

The Forest School Ethos at Drake

Forest School is an innovative educational approach that supports children’s holistic development through regular, hands-on experiences in a natural woodland environment. It encourages learners to build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem by engaging in practical, child-led activities that are both motivating and achievable.

Sessions take place throughout the year in nearly all weather conditions, helping children develop independence, problem-solving skills, and a strong connection to nature. By taking managed risks and exploring the outdoors, children learn to collaborate, communicate effectively, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

At Forest School, children learn through exploration, play, and the safe use of tools within a structured environment. They develop an understanding of both social and physical boundaries while building independence, problem-solving skills, and a deep respect for the natural world.

The Forest School approach originated in Denmark, where it was first introduced to preschool children. Research found that children who attended Forest School entered formal education with strong social and communication skills, the ability to collaborate effectively, high self-esteem, and confidence in their own abilities. These qualities provide a strong foundation for future academic success.

At Drake Primary, we are proud to offer Forest School sessions for children from Reception through to Year 6. These experiences enrich and enhance the curriculum, giving children valuable opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

Principles of our Forest School

Forest School is a specialised approach to learning that complements and enriches outdoor and woodland education. Its principles are shared by thousands of trained practitioners across Norfolk, the UK, and beyond.

At Drake, our Forest School is:

A long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
Takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Aiming to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Run by qualified practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Using a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

Children who take part in Forest Schools are seen as

Equal, unique and valuable
Competent to explore and discover
Entitled to experience appropriate risk and challenge
Entitled to choose, and to initiate and drive their own learning and development
Entitled to experience regular success
Entitled to develop positive relationships with themselves and other people
Entitled to develop a strong, positive relationship with their natural world.

Forest Schools is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. At Drake, we –