Children as young as 3 have been taking learning outside the classroom and into a special designated woodland area within CCJS’s grounds. With the support of Forest School Learning Initiative, our pre-prep department Kingfishers has set up its very own Forest School, using the outdoor environment to engage and motivate children.

Thursday mornings will now find Kingfishers children out at the protected site in all weathers; digging pits, searching for mini beasts, creating shelters for animals and working with natural materials. The digging pit in particular has been a huge success with the children relishing the opportunity to get muddy, finding all sorts of creepy crawlies and even taking art to new levels by painting the site with mud!

The Forest School provides children with small, achievable tasks, encouraging them to develop skills such as decision making, team work and problem-solving in a real life environment. All the activities are led by the children themselves, not only helping them gain independence and self esteem but helping them see learning as something fun and exciting.

Recent activities have included making dens, with the pupils learning the importance of measurements, shapes and sizes and working out what works and what doesn’t. Active story telling has also been popular, with the children using the natural habitat to add texture to stories. Leaves have provided a great backdrop to helping the pupils count, as well as teaching them about colours and patterns.

Miss Vicky Plenderleith, Head of Kingfishers commented: “Forest School is a wonderful opportunity for our youngest pupils to develop their skills in a safe and creative environment. We have already noticed an increase in the children’s confidence, which is so important at this young age. The children want to get involved in the activities and are not afraid of having a go, which is exactly what learning should be about.”

Mrs Chris Dee, Director of the Forest School Learning Initiative which works with schools all over the country commented: “Our experience has shown that children learn more quickly and effectively through Forest School, primarily because they are the ones leading the activities. All of the skills they develop in the Forest are linked to the curriculum and this makes a big difference once back in the classroom.”

At present, all Early Years children at CCJS are able to take part in Forest School, with plans being put in place to roll the scheme out for the older children.

For more information on the Forest School Learning Initiative, please visit: http://www.foresteducation.org/