Forest School began in Scandinavia in the 1950s as a way of helping children learn about the natural world through stories, songs and hands‑on outdoor experiences. Its impact on confidence, self‑esteem and independence was quickly recognised, and the approach soon spread internationally.
At Hartford Infant School, Forest School encourages children to take appropriate risks, explore freely and reflect on their experiences. Through a child‑led approach, pupils develop holistically—physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually—in a safe, stimulating and natural environment.
Our weekly sessions take place on the school site, where clear boundaries and shared agreements help children feel secure and confident as they learn outdoors.
We share a large playing field and several playgrounds with the Junior School, with timetabled use to ensure both schools have full access to outdoor spaces. Over recent years, we have developed our grounds to create a wildlife‑friendly environment, including flower beds, planters and a dedicated Forest School area.
Our Forest School space includes:
- A log circle for group activities and reflection
- An establishing fire pit for supervised fire‑based learning
- A variety of British trees, including one suitable for low‑level climbing
- A digging area for exploration and investigation
- A bug hotel for studying minibeasts
- Spaces for den building and imaginative play
The site is checked daily by our Forest School leaders to ensure safety and sustainability.
Forest School aims to:
- Encourage appreciation and understanding of the natural environment
- Promote respect and care for the local environment
- Build self‑esteem and confidence through achievable tasks
- Develop independence, resilience and perseverance
- Support real‑life learning and essential life skills, including safe risk‑taking
- Provide a holistic, child‑centred learning environment
- Establish shared rules and expectations
- Promote teamwork and mutual respect, in line with our Hartford Heroes
Children learn to assess and manage risks as part of their Forest School experience. Clear boundaries and agreements are established with all pupils. Forest School Leaders and teaching staff complete a Risk Assessment before every session.
Forest School is led by Mrs Eagle, supported by class teachers, teaching assistants and regular volunteers. Sessions run weekly, all year round and in all weathers (except in extreme conditions).
Each session includes:
- Planned, focused activities guided by adults
- Child‑initiated exploration, using natural materials to inspire creativity and curiosity
- Activities mapped out in our Forest School Medium Term Plans, with flexibility to respond to children’s interests
Typical activities include:
- Den and shelter building
- Whittling with potato peelers
- Drilling with palm drills
- Tree climbing
- Fire‑based learning
- Exploring flora and fauna
- Natural collections
- Sawing wood to make badges
- Creating mud characters and natural‑paint artwork
- Songs, stories and team games
To help children get the most from their Forest School sessions, appropriate clothing is essential.
We provide every child with an all‑in‑one waterproof suit to wear over their school uniform. We recommend trousers on Forest School days, as they are more comfortable under waterproofs.
Children will also need:
- Welly boots
- Warm layers in colder weather
- Hats for both sunny and cold conditions
We regularly share photos of Forest School sessions on our school Facebook page and Tapestry.