Forest school is an inspirational and fun experience for you and your child. It is a long term programme that offers learning and development through child-led play, exploration and risk-taking. Its hands-on learning in a natural setting and helps build self-confidence, self-esteem, nature connection and well-being. Forest school involves risky activities such as the use of fire, tools, tree climbing and mud play.Â
We do a risk-benefit analysis of every activity but please be aware that we cannot remove all risks and we encourage children to understand and manage their own risk in a real-world setting. Forest School Leaders are highly trained facilitators and will work with the children to develop their connection with nature, they are also trained in Safeguarding, First Aid and are all DBS checked. Forest school involves risky activities such as the use of fire, tools, tree climbing and mud play. We complete accident report forms for all accidents and you will be informed
when you collect your child. In the event of an incident, we follow our emergency procedures, staff debrief and review all risk assessments. All staff are first aid trained, have walkie talkies and we have well-stocked first aid backpacks that are with the leader at all times.
At Muddy Feet nature connection runs through everything we do, in fact its all based on a growing body of research which we use in our programme development.
We use natural items found in the woods for the activities, we believe that Forest School should be a wild experience and not just bringing the indoors outdoors. All the activities are planned as part of a long term programme to develop your child, so the more you attend the more you get out of it.
Please no toys or electronics including mobile phones. If your child displays any sickness or Covid Symptoms, please do not
attend, Sickness bugs please do not attend for 48 hours.Â
What do you do throughout the day?
Holiday clubs are extremely physical we offer a true wild nature-based experience so please ensure your child is able to cope with the demands of the day. Please do let us know if your child has additional needs so we can support them throughout the day.
We have a core structure that we follow on the holiday club, but the forest school leaders will work with the children on their interests. You can ask the leaders what we did throughout the day or check out the updates on Facebook.
Core routines: sign in, hand wash, walk to the site, boundaries, risks/ health and safety talk and intro, talks three principles: look after self/others/environment, exploring the wood garden, reflection, sit spots, stream walking, sign out.
Child’s interest: free play, shelter building, tool use, bug hunting, mud play, games.
Facilitated activities: Fire Skills, making things using tools, nature connection – listening observation/education/ journaling, games, nature art
What are the benefits of Forest School?
There are many benefits to Forest School including:
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Social development
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Building self-esteem
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Builds confidence
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Improved mental and physical health
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Creative, independent learners
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Building resilience
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Development of motor skills
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Nature knowledge and connection
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Fun
