What is a Forest School in Early Years?

Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation, and review links each session that takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world. It’s an approach that takes a long-term sustained approach to outdoor learning. Forest schools seek to encourage, motivate, engage and inspire children through positive outdoor experiences. Forest schools are closely entwined with the concepts of free-flow play and learning from play.

How does Forest School link to EYFS?

Forest school offers an excellent opportunity for play and exploration, however, practical tasks linked to the national curriculum and EYFS are designed to enhance children’s development are what drives the forest school initiative. Forest schools help to promote a healthier lifestyle for children.