A unique environment that encourages a student orientated approach to learning and development.

Let us grow together

Forest School

What is a Forest School? – “Not all classrooms have four walls!”

A Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular outdoor learning sessions. It is a long-term programme that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. The programme aims to develop confidence and improve self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural outdoor setting.

Forest School has a developmental ethos and is delivered by qualified practitioners who are constantly developing their own learning styles and skills to support new and imaginative learners. Forest Schools began in Scandinavia and arrived here in the UK in 1993.

Principles for a Forest School

There are six principles that ‘govern’ and shape a Forest School, these are:

Forest School provision 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
Takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural work
Uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning
Aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilience, confidence, independence and creativity
Offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves
Is run by a qualified Forest School practitioner, who continuously maintains and develops their professional practice

It is only when we see the six principles working together do we truly see the value of a Forest School.

Underpinning our principles are positive core beliefs for all learners:

Everyone is equal, unique and valuable
We are all competent to explore & discover
We are all entitled to experience appropriate risk and challenge
We are all entitled to choose, and to initiate and drive our own learning and development
We are all entitled to experience regular success
We are all entitled to develop positive relationships with ourselves and each other
We are able to develop strong positive relationships with the natural world

At Forest School our learner-centred approach interweaves with the ever-changing moods and marvels of the natural world through the changing seasons, which ensure that every Forest School session is filled with discovery, curiosity and is different.

Who benefits from attending a Forest School?

Most Forest Schools support children from early years to the end of primary school (Key Stage 2). Children who access Forest School provision are those who benefit from less academic pressure and benefit from sensory, practical play.

Forest School is not appropriate for all children in this age range.

What do our Learners experience at Forest School?

Our children will experience a wide range of activities delivered through outdoor learning, some examples of activities are:

Growing Vegetables
Bushcraft
Foraging
Using natural resource
Fence building/repairing
Cooking
Tree climbing
Shelter building

This list is not exhaustive and learning experiences are designed in line with the child’s interests and needs. All of our activities fulfil the requirements of the Forest School ethos and raise self-awareness, encourage respect, support team work and co-operation.

Who benefits from attending a Forest School?

Forest School is not appropriate for all children in this age range.

Forest School at MIAG

Our Forest School is co-located at our Beeches, Brislington site and is managed by a Level 3 Qualified Forest School Leader, Penny Groves. Penny is also a very experienced primary school practitioner and has worked in a Local Authority context as an Advisor. Penny and her team work with a small number of learners currently, most of whom hold an Education, Health, Care Plan (EHCP). Referrals are accepted from individual schools or via the responsible Local Authority.

Penny is supported by an experienced Forest School Assistant, Phoebe Tomlinson.

Referrals: If you would like to know more about the Forest School please contact Penny Groves for an informal discussion at penny@miag.co.uk or to refer for a placement please contact admin@miag.co.uk or call 0333 220 3429