Our ethos

The Forest School ethos supports children to develop self-esteem, independence and confidence through outdoor child-led play in nature. Forest School takes a holistic approach to learning and development and offers a mixture of learning the skills of problem solving and creativity as well as some more specific bush craft style skills (e.g. knot tying, tree climbing, fire lighting and tool use). At Forest School we foster a deep connection and love of nature, through play. The children are given time and space to explore and discover things for themselves, alongside our trained Forest School leaders who are always close by, to guide and reassure. Our Forest School sessions are child-led and designed to meet the needs of individuals to ensure that children grow in self-confidence, as well as developing their physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills.


There are six key principles that shape and govern the Forest School ethos. There are many forms of outdoor education and all have enormous value, however, Forest School is unique in its reach, delivery and effect. We follow principles 2 – 6 as the nature of our club means we cannot offer long term provision to all learners, unless parents choose to send their children to all sessions available. We do however, have the benefit of offering full days at Forest School, where children have the opportunity to become fully immersed in the experience, with ample opportunities for learning and development.  


These six principles of Forest School are: