Forest School is an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands- on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. The growing body of research points to numerous benefits to learner, educator, child and parent alike.
Forest School is the name of a specific ethos. Qualified practitioners carefully facilitate programmes which are uniquely tailored to the needs of the individuals within the group and have the fundamental aim of building participants’ self-esteem, confidence, independence and creativity. The name does not refer to an actual place; it refers to the philosophy.
The Impact of this is the knowledge the children have gained from the Forest School experience.
The impact can be seen through skills, art and craft activities, observations and knowledge of the fruit, plants trees in relation to the seasons and the skills involved in learning how to play Forest School games.
The principals of Forest School state that it is:
- a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
- taking place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
- using a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
- aiming to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
- offering learners, the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
- run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
At Forest School all participants (children and adults) are viewed as:
- equal, unique and valuable
- competent to explore & discover
- entitled to experience appropriate risk and challenge
- entitled to choose, and to initiate and drive their own learning and development
- entitled to experience regular success
- entitled to develop positive relationships with themselves and other people
- entitled to develop a strong, positive relationship with their natural world
This ethos creates learning communities where deep-level learning and progression are the norm.
www.forestschoolassociation.org/full-principles-and-criteria-for-good-practice
27/04/2026 - Grand Opening New Forest School Area
The Great Outdoors
East Hoathly CE Primary and Nursery School Launches New Forest School Area The children at East Hoathly have officially traded their desks for dens this week with the grand opening of a brand-new Forest School area. The dedicated outdoor classroom marks a major investment in children’s wellbeing and hands-on environmental education.
A Natural Classroom
The newly developed site, located in a previously underused and very overgrown corner of
the school field, has been transformed into a rich habitat designed for exploration. Key
features of the new area include:
Practical infrastructure, an all-weather shelter to ensure the site can be used year-round, rain or shine.
- A central fire pit and log-seating circle, providing a “base camp” for storytelling and group discussions.
- A den-building zone where younger pupils can develop fine and gross motor skillsthrough creative play.
- Biodiversity hotspots, including bug hotels, bird boxes, and planted selection of nativetrees and wildflowers.
A Community Effort
The project was made possible through two companies: who very generously donated the materials so that the shelter could be built. A huge thank you to the parents who gave up their own time to help build the structure. We would also like to thank the Community Payback Scheme which is part of the Probation Service who also helped with the initial stages of installing the structure. Staff and parents alike have praised the development, noting that it provides a vital “antidote” to increased screen time and sedentary learning.”Teachers love seeing children collaborating and communicating in such a different setting,”. “The joy and learning that happens in these spaces is incredible.
"Beyond the Four Walls"
Unlike traditional outdoor play, the Forest School approach is a long-term educational process. Under the guidance of our qualified practitioner, children spend regular sessions in the area, learning to manage “balanced risks” such as using hand tools, building fires, and climbing trees. Research from organizations like the Forest School Association highlights that these experiences do more than just teach nature skills. They are scientifically linked to improved mental health, reduced stress levels (cortisol), and a boost in self-esteem and independence. As East Hoathly children continue to use this site, they aren’t just playing in the woods-they are becoming the next generation of environmental stewards
Forest School Blog
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