Forest School is an ethos which encourages the development of children’s emotional and physical development through outdoor play, activities and exploration in a woodland environment. The philosophy of Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive experiences and participation in engaging and motivating achievable tasks and activities fostering:

• .  Independence

• .  Confidence

• .  Communication Skills

• .  Team Building

• .  Problem Solving

• .  Self-esteem

• .  Building resilience

• .  Strengthening gross and fine motor skills

• .  Encouraging respect for nature and the world around them

• .  Learning through play

• .  Child – led activities

A concept which originated from Scandinavia, children attending Forest School were found to have developed strong social and language skills, the ability to work in groups effectively and generally had high self esteem and confidence in their own capabilities. These attributes proved to be an effective foundation that raised academic achievements and is therefore an excellent way to support the National Curriculum, consolidate and compliment the learning in our Montessori classroom.

Forest School at Ladybird 

Ladybird benefits from having a woodland area on its school grounds. Forest School takes place outdoors whatever the weather – “No such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Therefore, waterproof clothing will be compulsory and provided by us for your child. We will undertake activities such as shelter building, bug hunting, den making, knot tying and other creative tasks. Many activities will be spontaneous, based upon the children’s interest. Forest School activities involve the lighting of fires and the use of tools such as knives, bow saws and billhooks. 

All of our activities will be risk assessed for safety before each session.