Forest School — Barnston Buddies

Forest School is a Scandinavian approach to outdoor learning, which helps to develop children’s confidence and resilience, promote teamwork and practical skills. Fully qualified, enthusiastic Forest School Practitioners carefully plan opportunities to help children reconnect with their natural environment. Forest School steps boldly out of the shadow and limitation of 'planned activities' and ventures collaboratively into the realms of the unplanned, unexpected and ultimately unlimited. Children and young people are given encouragement to direct their own learning - this often requires catalysing on the part of the Forest School leader either through stimulating play in the outdoors or through 'scaffolding' a child's learning, but mostly through simply observing how children are in the outdoors (FSTC).

Appropriate clothing must be worn. The thickness of clothing will depend on the season; Sturdy trainers, boots or wellies, socks, long trousers, long-sleeved tops and waterproofs are required. Thin layers are best for warmth and can easily be removed if your child get to warm. Sun cream and insect repellent should be applied before attendance if necessary. PLEASE use old clothes and let your child know that they can get dirty and that you don’t mind!. Sessions will take place during all weather unless extreme conditions occur (sessions may be cancelled if the leader feels it is appropriate)

PACKED LUNCHES WILL NEED TO BE PROVIDED DURING HOLIDAY CLUB

Our sessions are offered to our term time pre-school children in small groups over a 5-or-6-week period and to primary children during school holidays as a 2 or 3-day course.