At Belgrave St Peter's, we have been developing our Forest School provision since 2023. We work closely with Little Acorns, who support us in delivering high-quality Forest School sessions during the school day, provide engaging and enriching after-school provision, and play a key role in the continuous development and improvement of our Forest School environment and curriculum.

What is forest school?

Forest school is outdoor education where children have the chance to develop holistically. It is child-centred learning, providing the children with hands-on experiences in the natural environment. Some forest school activities can include tree climbing, den building, woodwork, storytelling, minibeast searching, mud pie making, planting, playing listening and social games, as well as many more opportunities!

What are the benefits of forest school?

Children benefit from forest school in a variety of ways. It is an ethos that promotes self-esteem, creativity, social skills, independence, core strength, imagination, confidence,  problem solving skills, as well as a building positive relationship and improving knowledge about the world surrounding them.

Who attends forest school?

Children in our Nursery access Forest School throughout the year, allowing them to develop confidence, curiosity and a connection with the natural environment from an early age. Children in Reception through to Year 6 participate in Forest School on a rolling programme, alternating each half-term and experiencing two half-terms of Forest School during the academic year.

We also make full use of our Forest School area when delivering Wild Worship. Every year group has the opportunity to attend a Wild Worship session each half-term, providing a meaningful outdoor space for reflection, spirituality and collective worship.

In addition, pupils in Years 3 to 6 can further develop their Forest School skills and enjoyment of the outdoors through our dedicated after-school provision, which runs every Wednesday and is delivered in partnership with Little Acorns.