Achieving together in God’s light
Forest School
Policy
This School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment.
Last reviewed: March 2016
Next review due: October 2018
Forest School Policy
Mission Statement
To develop in pupils confidence, curiosity, independence, self esteem, resilience and provide an
opportunity to explore and experience the natural world through practical outdoor activities. By using the
natural resources available in the wood and the children’s own interests we aim to stimulate imagination,
creativity, enquiry skills and their ability to apply their understanding.
Aims
 To plan and deliver a broad Forest School curriculum based upon the EYFS (Early Years Foundation
Stage) curriculum and National Curriculum areas of study.
 To promote positive attitudes to learning and resilience in all areas but especially in maths and science.
 To encourage children to ask questions and find ways to answer their questions.
 To provide inspiring practical situations outdoors (Forest School) for children to apply their knowledge
and make connections between their scientific/learning experiences.
 To allow children to self-initiate learning and understand boundaries of behaviour; both physical and
social.
 To provide opportunities for children to work together.
Equal Opportunities
See Equality Policy
Teaching and Learning
In Forest School we shall be flexible in our approach to allow for changes, when they are needed, to ensure
the children’s learning takes place in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and motivation to learn.
EYFS curriculum will inform teaching and learning in Forest School for the early years. The National
Curriculum will inform Yr 1 and 2 teaching and learning.
L3 Forest School Leads will plan alongside class teachers appropriately for the needs of all the children.
Children may be given additional support by the teacher, learning support assistants or other adults where
appropriate to extend their ability in learning.
Assessment/Record Keeping
Formative assessments and record keeping are used to inform further planning and highlight any children
who may require extra help or extension. The National Curriculum and Early Learning Outcome
descriptors will be used to support this assessment through the use of Forest School/Outdoor learning
journals.
Assessment for learning (see policy) is embedded into the teaching to inform further planning, highlight
children who require extra help or extension and promote children’s participation and enjoyment of Forest
School
Monitoring
This may be carried out in a variety of ways:
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Forest School observations
Formative assessment.
Work Sampling (photographic evidence)
Child discussion/questionnaires
Forest School and Outdoor Learning Journals
EYFS Class Science Book
Teacher’s planning.
Staff discussion including subject reviews
Governor monitoring
Displays
Health and Safety
Health and Safety will be reviewed regularly as outlined in Forest School Handbook – through the means of
safety sweeps, regular reviews of procedures, first aid provision etc.(Ref – Everyone Forest School and
www. Limpsfield.surrey.sch.uk)
ASE - ‘Be Safe’ 3rd edition shall provide the minimum requirement for health and safety standards in
science as reflected in the scheme of work. Additional advice concerning health and safety shall be sought
from CLEAPSS and the ASE when necessary. ASE ‘Be Safe’ can be found with the Science Coordinator,
Staffroom and www.cleapss.org.uk.
The role of the Forest School Subject Coordinator
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To be responsible for the continued emphasis towards Forest School learning.
To be responsible for overseeing and coordinating ongoing training.
To be responsible for the physical maintenance and up keep of the Forest School site.
To monitor the effectiveness of Forest School throughout the school community.
To work alongside class teachers when planning sessions to ensure that the individual
class need is addressed
To disseminate new information.
To provide or organise staff training.
To be responsible for providing appropriate Forest School resources and ensuring they
are in good condition.
To propagate good practice beyond the school
To have the overall management of Forest School
To regularly review the Forest School site for risk. This is also carried out by all L3
Forest School Leads.
To review the School’s Handbook once a year.
Coordinate with National Trust to ensure ongoing safety.
Level 3 Forest School Leads – Rukia Wood (EYFS Forest School Lead) and Julia Nash
(Forest School KS1 Lead/Coordinator and Science Coordinator)
Resources
 Forest School related resources can be found in the resources, with the Forest School Coordinator and
PE shed e.g. adventure sacks, waterproofs, saws, knives in secure box and trolley etc.
 Forest School Handbook and First Aid resources can be found with the Forest School Lead and in the
staffroom.
 Forest School related books can be found in the staffroom.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly in line with the school’s Monitoring and Review Schedule.