From September 2021, every Leehurst Swan pupil from Reception up to year four will have timetabled Forest School lessons throughout the academic year. 

Our Forest School provision provides nurturing, positive outdoor learning experiences to support our children’s well-being and personal development. Children learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and how to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Children have the opportunity to explore, play, learn boundaries of behaviour, and develop skills such as creativity, problem solving, collaboration and communication.

All our activities are carried out in a safe and controlled environment and the activities that our pupils participate in depend on their age, ability and experience. Examples of Forest School activities include:

• Woodland management
• Environmental exploration
• Nature exploration
• Building dens and other structures
• Fire lighting and cooking
• Games and invitations for imaginative play and discovery
• Natural crafts
• Using tools
• Scavenger hunts and adventure
• Seasonal celebrations

"Our aim is to nurture in our pupils a love, understanding and connection for the natural world so they see themselves as guardians of planet earth. Forest School helps children develop their confidence and core skills like communication, collaboration, independence and problem solving. Just as important is the opportunity Forest School provides to learn in the great outdoors and have fun come rain or shine!" Mrs Bateman, Headteacher