Forest School at HATO

We are really excited that all classes will have the opportunity to take part in Forest School sessions over the year. A qualified Leader, Ms Bryant, will take the lessons, which will be held in the park or in the school grounds.

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What is Forest school?

This is an exciting opportunity for children to have lessons in the outdoor environment linking in social skills and a variety of learning opportunities to support children’s wellbeing and their lessons.

The Forest school will provide teaching and learning opportunities which will include time and space to develop skills and positive relationships with the natural world; encouraging curiosity and increasing self-confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Through providing Forest School experiences we aim to:

• Provide creative and exciting opportunities for all learners
• Enhance academic success for all our pupils
• Provide a language rich environment
• To develop pupils who are resilient when faced with new challenges
• To develop self-esteem and self-confidence via practical learning experiences
• To encourage collaboration and support through positive peer partnerships.

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When will it take place?

Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
YEAR 1- Humans Forest School   (links to seasons, Senses & transition from EYFS)	YEAR 3 - Plants - pollination & seed dispersal Forest School   (link to seed dispersal)	YEAR 1- Everyday materials Forest School  (links to weather and seasons)	YEAR 2 - Plants  Forest School  (link to plants and growing)	YEAR 5 - Animals including humans  Forest School    (short Science Unit – links with life cycles)	YEAR 4 -Environment Forest School    (link to environment) YEAR 6 - Transition Unit Forest school

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Will it take place in all weathers?

Forest Schools will happen in all weathers (unless it is VERY windy or icy!), so please make sure your child has suitable clothes for the weather.

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What does my child need to wear?

They will need warm clothes including a jumper, strong shoes such as boots or wellies, and a waterproof coat.

Wellies are good at keeping feet dry but not very good at keeping feet warm unless you have a few pairs of socks on. Lots of layers are more effective than a single thicker layer in terms of protecting from the cold.

Your child WILL get dirty, so please only send your child to school in clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

They will need to bring into school clothes to change into which may get a bit dirty:

• Long sleeved top and jumper
• Tracksuits bottoms
• Socks (above the ankle in length) – these should not be school socks in case they get wet so that children have dry socks to change into
• Trainers that may get wet and muddy

If it is cold/ wet, they will also need:

• Waterproof coat
• Waterproof trousers if they have them
• Wellies if they have them
• If it is sunny please apply sunscreen before your child comes to school

This will be a fantastic opportunity for the children to have the opportunity to develop an inquisitive and positive relationship with the natural world; increasing pupil’s confidence, self-esteem and respect in preparation for an ever-changing world.