What is Forest School?
Forest School is all about enjoying learning in the great outdoors. With this revolutionary Scandinavian approach children spend the whole day outside surrounded by bushes, shrubs and trees. Here, normal activities like eating and playing become incredible adventures. Even boring midday naps become exciting camping experiences.
Forest School is a child-centred environment giving children greater freedom to explore and choose their activities.
Forest School runs every day at Chalfont Park, Chiswick Lane and Syon Park and weekly at Chiswick and Isleworth.
Benefits:
Physical development - climbing, balancing and crawling through bushes encourages better development of gross and fine motor skills creating a more balanced and fitter child;
Active learning builds inquisitiveness and curiosity about the world around them and develops creativity and imagination;
Managed risk - children make their own decisions helping to produce more confident individuals;
Less stress - children who spend too much time inside display higher levels of depression, anger and tension. The freedom of the outdoor environment can be very calming for children;
Plenty of fresh air and vitamin D - vitamin D helps us to absorb calcium resulting in stronger bones;
Improved eyesight - Artificial lighting, particularly from mobile phones and televisions, is harmful to our eyes, especially young eyes. Studies show, that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia (nearsightedness);
Better social skills - playing outdoors encourages children to interact with other children, building their social development and the ability to make friends;
A respect for the natural world and a future supporter of conservation.
What the Research Shows
These benefits are backed up by a study carried out in 2020 by the University of Hong Kong and the Nanjing Medical University. The Play and Grow study was a randomised controlled trial of 54 children aged 2-5 years. The study found that children spending time outside had:
- Higher serotonin levels (leading to better sleep and happiness);
- More diversity of gut microbes giving them an improved immune system;
- Reduced stress levels and anger;
- Reduced risk of psychiatric disorders including ADHD;
- Significantly more connection to nature - even leading to them eating more vegetables!
Qualified Forest School Leaders
Our team of Qualified Forest School Leaders take the children on a voyage of discovery. Hands-on activities such as den building, digging and baking in the mud kitchen help children develop confidence and social skills. Forest School Leaders introduce the children to the plants, wildlife and mini-beasts around them, developing inquisitiveness and appreciation for the natural world.
Safe and Secure
Unlike many other Forest Schools, ours are located within our nursery grounds. The boundaries are hidden by bushes and foliage, keeping the children safe whilst providing natural dens for them to explore. Our leaders are trained in first aid, have an enhanced DBS check and follow our Child Protection policy.
Photo credit: Thanks to Thorpe House School for the extension to Forest School sessions for Buttercups Chalfont Park