KS1: Outdoor Learning with Forest School

Find out how Forest School leaders work with children to encourage an appreciation of the natural world, building self-esteem and confidence by regularly visiting special woodland sites.

The Forest Schools concept originates from Scandinavia, where there has been a long tradition of encouraging very young children to play and learn outdoors.

In this programme, Year 1 pupils from Charlbury School in Oxfordshire make one of their regular visits to a local wood. They are led by their teacher Gill Senior, who has recently qualified as a Forest School practitioner.

Because Gill's pupils have been visiting these woods every fortnight since starting reception they have become unusually at home in this environment, whatever the weather.

Through child-initiated activities, we see them learning about the natural environment, handling risks and using their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. We also hear from teachers who talk about the children's growing confidence and self-motivation.

Read a review of this video on the Teacher Training Resource Bank site.