At Glenfrome, we are fortunate to have great outdoor spaces, including a large playing field and Purdown woods on our doorstep. All children participate in forest school sessions on Purdown and we learn about our environment, how to work together, take acceptable risks solve problems and have fun. Miss Fitzwilliam is our trained Forest School Leader.

 Sessions focus on the all round development of your child, facilitated by the teacher as mentor and experienced companion. Children are allowed to choose the direction they take, discover, discuss and develop without the constraints of a table and chair. As they learn to respect this freedom and responsibility they will learn about themselves, learn about others, learn to be resilient and learn how to be effective learners!

The main principles of Forest School are:
• To promote self-esteem - freedom without interference
• Promote confidence - belief in yourself and your abilities
• Promote independence - a feeling of pride in yourself

The concept originates from Scandinavia where the young children are taken on walks through the forest following an imaginary character. Along the way they explore and investigate, take risks and learn together in the great outdoors. The ethos has now been introduced to the UK under the name 'Forest School'.

When does Forest School take place?

Each class will take part in Forest School for at least one term out of the six each year. This allows every child to spend at least eighteen hours of learning outside the classroom.

Activities are varied and linked both to the curriculum and the season in which they take place. Nature is at the heart of all that we do and children will, over time, learn about the world around them.

What will my child need to wear?

Children will need clothes that are suitable for the weather at any particular time of year. As the weather begins to turn cold, this can include as many layers as you see fit. Please provide the following for your child:

• Pair of wellington boots or sturdy trainers (that will get muddy!)
• Long sleeved top
• Pair of jogging bottoms or leggings
• Waterproof top and trousers.

What happens if it is raining?

There is a Swedish saying: There is no bad weather, just wrong clothes. Please ensure that your child has a waterproof coat and trousers and wellington boots.

If you would like any more information or would like to volunteer to help support a forest school session, please contact the school office.