Forest School

 At Forest School the learners are all seen as equal, unique and valuable, which here at Holy Family Primary School is central to our ethos too. Forest School promotes child-initiated learning at its best. It creates a world where children are believed to be competent to choose and drive their own learning and development at a pace which is appropriate and meaningful to them.

 They are freely able to explore and discover whilst learning how to manage appropriate risk and challenge which is vital in their decision-making. The adults are there to support the children, guide if asked, look out for dangers and most importantly celebrate the learning taking place. It creates a positive atmosphere of support where the children learn to become independent in their physical skills and mental thought processes. They learn to trust their own ideas, believe in their capabilities and recognise their own needs.

 They understand that support comes from trusted adults and friends alike as they are nurtured to develop positive relationships with themselves and other people. Everyone is equal. It is a safe place where they can be themselves or lose themselves and leave day to day stresses behind. Central to all of this is the environment. Children experience the seasons, the wonders of nature, the highs, the lows, life and death. This enables them to build a strong, positive relationship with their natural world helping them to make sense of the wider world.