The Natural World
At Charnwood we are fortunate to have an outdoor woodland area with both young and established trees. We value the role that outdoor education has in a child’s development and aim to incorporate as much outdoor learning as possible into our broad and balanced curriculum. Many children spend an increasing amount of time using technology and less time in the natural world. Our mission is to model the numerous benefits of spending time in a forest environment. We do this by offering regular visits to the woodland area which develop a connection between the natural world and the learners. We develop the children’s resilience physical fitness and problem solving abilities. We offer an environment that poses risks to the children with the support of their peers and a qualified adult.
Woodland Learning FAQs for Parents
What is Woodland Learning?
Woodland Learning is an inspirational process that offers all learners opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. It is also a time to improve our mental health by spending time in nature. It follows the principles of the official Forest School programme. https://forestschoolassociation.org/
Which day is Woodland Learning for my child?
Classes from KS1 to KS2 have Woodland learning at various times through the year. This may for a short period of weeks or where it corresponds to learning in the wider curriculum. Your class teacher will let you know ahead of time when this will happen.
Do Nursery and Reception do Woodland Learning ?
Nursery and reception do their own outdoor woodland sessions. Teachers will let you know when the sessions are.
What clothes should my child come to school in?
Children should come to school in their Woodland Learning clothes with clean shoes on. We will change into our muddy shoes or wellies outside before starting the session. It is a good idea to bring a bag for the muddy shoes to go in.
Will my child need a coat?
The weather is always unpredictable so we recommend bringing a coat to every session.
Do children have to have wellies?
Wellies are optional. A spare pair of shoes is needed because children will find the forest area muddy and will need to put on clean shoes when they return to class. Wellies may be recommended during certain months of the year but children may borrow some from the school selection.
What if I do not have all the clothing required for my child?
School has some spare donated wellies and clothing for children to wear. Do not feel the pressure to buy any clothes, old warm clothes are all that is needed.
Do children go outside in the rain?
Yes! We see the outdoors as a place of adventure. We believe there is no such thing as bad weather. In extreme weather, the children will come back inside.
Will children get muddy?
Children will be in the small forest area which can get very muddy. Children may be playing or doing activities in the mud. They may get muddy at times.
How long are the sessions and how long will the children be outside?
Sessions are usually for 1 hour.
Are staff qualified?
Woodland Learning is run by class teachers. If additional Forest School activities are completed that require a qualification these are led by a qualified Forest School teacher from our partner school.
What the kids say
“I love Forest School because we get to be free and play in the woods.” Pupil, Year 2.
