Forest School Vision
Forest School is a child-centred educational learning approach which enhances our learning here at Inkersall Spencer Academy. The Forest School origins are from Scandanavia, where the outdoor culture is a way of life and children thrive in developing confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired play, exploration and supported risk taking.
There are countless benefits to Forest School. It offers opportunities for holistic growth, supporting play, exploration and supported risk taking in a safe, nurturing environment. Confidence and esteem are developed through practical outdoor experiences in a natural setting. It helps develop a connection to the world and develop socially, emotionally and physically. Being outdoors provides children with memorable, stimulating learning experiences. Through regular sessions, children will experience daily and seasonal changes, giving them a better understanding of their place within nature.
Forest School Leaders
We are fortunate to have four Level 3 Forest School leaders at Inkersall. Mrs Wood and Mrs Young completed their training in 2022 and Miss Lapworth and Mrs Duce completed their training in 2023. As part of this training, all four staff are paediatric First Aid trained.
Forest School Site
All Forest School leaders are working together with the children to develop a Forest School site on our school grounds, which all children in school can access, whatever the weather! The PTA have generously helped to fund our shelter and helped us buy lots of tools, equipment and resources for Forest School. We have planted hundreds of new trees and continue to plant more every year. Our aim is that in years to come, Inkersall Spencer Academy has its own established woodland where Forest School can continue to thrive.
What Forest School looks like at Inkersall Spencer Academy
Forest School is a child-led approach, so the interests of the children will always be the basis of our sessions. Alongside this, we also plan activities to ensure that children have a breadth of experiences during their Forest School sessions. Activities include:
- Den/shelter building
- Tool work
- Knot tying
- Fire lighting
- Cooking on a fire
- Crafting
- Group games