Why Forest School?
"There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing"- unknown
I never could imagine Heppy in a conventional nursery setting when the time came to take a look what was available, in fact I hadn’t even realised funded hours were available to us. I wasn’t against a conventional nursery setting, but I was keen to do something completely different to the experiences she was getting at home but where in many ways the atmosphere felt an extension of the home in the value given to children, the opportunity to explore and gain a sense of self. For us, the goal of nursery wasn’t to gain an education, to learn abcs and 123’s but for her to be free, and be a kid! I searched for a long time and forest school wise there really wasnt’t a lot available in our area, but settled on one I was and have been SO happy with. I’ve had lots of questions about forest school, what is it?…some have never heard of it… can I claim it under government funded hours? Why is it beneficial? Etc. So hopefully this is helpful!
What is Forest School?
Forest school takes place in a woodland or natural environment and is thought that it originated in Denmark in the 1950s where ‘free air life’ was a way of life, then brought to the UK around 1993. Places approach it slightly differently, but it is widely known to support play, exploration and supported risk-taking developing confidence, self-esteem and inspired learners.
Why is that important?
A 2016 study discovered that three-quarters of children in the UK now spend less time outdoors than prison inmates. It seems that the extent to which kids are playing in parks, woodlands and fields is shrinking. We don’t have to look far, and many of us know the benefits of being outside from everything to improvements in mental health to lower obesity rates. Since a 2019 study conducted on 451 children about the effects of nature on the participants, the wildlife trust has been urging policymakers to extend the time that children are outside during a typical school day to one hour. This is one of the main reasons we have gone on to homeschool, because not only does it lead to amazing learning experiences but a passionate desire that Heppy’s learning didn’t need to be at a table but while moving her body which is what makes her the happiest.
Starting
We started Heppy the term after she was 3 as the Forest school we chose did accept government-funded hours. Others don’t, so be sure to ask! Search around to find a forest school that works for you. There are weekend opportunities, pre-preschool age forest schools and drop off, or stay-and-play sessions for homeschooled children! You can do mornings, afternoons or casual sessions. Heppy currently goes to Forest School two days a week 9-4.30 and she will need to stop the term after she turns 5.
Pros
Resilience- I’ve noticed this in a few ways but notably Heppy is content going out to play whether it’s raining or sunny. She isn’t fussing over wet socks and hats (which i would be) but enjoying herself. There is also less resilience in general in a forest school setting which leads to a great testing ground and there are far fewer stimuli. Plus, using what’s already in the natural environment rather than toys handed to them that have a prescribed way to play, opens up the child’s mind letting them know it’s okay to be bored and think of a new way to play!
Wellness/physical wellbeing- Compared to conventional indoor nursery settings Heppy has been healthy and covid cases were far fewer because of being outside which again isn’t new information but a huge bonus!
Sleep- I’m sure the same with anyone but after a day outside you are DESPERATE to get into bed! A mix of resetting rhythms, a replenishment of oxygen, and using your body!
Body Awareness- There are lots of opportunities in nature to practice body awareness. Climbing trees and walking across logs etc. Heppy is now desperate to climb trees and is very aware of her limits and whether she feels safe or unsafe and whether to go for it or hold back. Studies have proven that allowing kids an environment with mediated risks actually builds great confidence and self-awareness needed in order to boost imagination and invention.
Resourcefulness- It is fascinating to peep through and watch the children playing as I pick up and drop off! Children playing with and in nature. A teasel microphone, mudpies, water play, sliding down a bank on whatever they can find, being okay to be bored, but creating something out of seemingly nothing!
Mixed ages- The school we chose, intentionally mixes the children and takes them from a young age if needed, to give a real sense of family and allow everyone to take care/look out for each other.
Learning about the natural environment- Being in nature also places a higher value on the natural environment. The other month looking out the window in the car wondering what a particular plant was Heppy said: ‘Oh that’s dogweed’. Learning about the natural environment feels something that’s vital to me and that can never be taken away from them so creates such contentment!
Learner-led learning- Heppy’s school follows a Reggio Emilia approach which focuses on self-led learning. The approach sees them as curious individuals with the power and potential to develop and learn from their environment and the relationships they build with others. “This means learning is driven by the child who takes an active role in co-constructing their own knowledge and gives the child control over the direction of the curriculum. This encourages self-expression, communication, teamwork thinking and problem-solving in the child.”
Cons
There has definitely been an extra cost involved for us. I think most nurseries come with an additional cost but we pay extra for snacks, minibus travel and the events they put on throughout the year. I was unaware of this before we started, so make sure to ask about this if it’s a concern.
There is A LOT of washing. In those wet months, Heppy can easily go through 3 changes of clothes in a day. This is exactly what I want as shes having the BEST time, but I do dread being handed the bag of muddy and wet shoes and clothes.
Initial outgoing of clothing - This can be done for cheaper, and like us, secondhand but….it adds up. The kit list we followed recommended multiple layers of clothes, and to invest in good wool layers. 2/3 waterproof trouser options, a light rainjacket, a winter jacket etc etc. all adds up pretty fast! I reckon we have spent over £200 on kit! Look out for swap shops and buy early if you see something secondhand to spread the cost if you know you want your little one to go into a Forest School setting.
Increased travel- It’s about 20 minutes each way to school which is slightly longer than I’d ideally like but thankful that there is still somewhere as close as this as an option! This obviously adds to monthly petrol costs too.
Resistance- Heppy found this past Autumn/Winter tough to go in. Lots of refusing to get out the car and saying she didn’t want to go. There was so many wet and cold days and so I don’t blame her at all but we both really had to psych ourselves up before going and ultimately I knew she did love it one she got in the flow.
Things I have seen they do at Heppy’s forest school that I love:
They don’t come home with lots of pictures and artwork (savage I know…but we have enough of it home). If she does, which is rare because they’re in nature it’s something natural. Like shells from the beach, a wool braid or a tree rubbing..I can get along with that!
Presence of male educators. I don’t know whether this is normal or abnormal but I love that she is around both male and females in education and also another extension of family life! And many children actually connect with male educators more than female so I love the opportunity!
They have hammocks outside that some children nap in and the babies nap outside in buggies which I love.
Different forest schools have different levels of ‘outsideness’ but Heppy’s is OUT OUT. They do have an inside space but she VERY rarely goes inside.
Compostable toilets
Lots of fire building and fire cooking
They connect with the kids respectfully and I love the language they use with the kids which feels like an extension of the language we try to use here at home.
They travel out on a minibus to the beach/meadows/other forests etc. and have at times gone to museums/nearby farms etc.
I am heading to a stay and play session later this week where I can go and be involved too and they put on different events during the year to connect with families and celebrate the children and different times of the year!
I don’t even remember how I came across the concept of forest school, but now cannot imagine my strong, curious resilient explorer going anywhere else and we are now hoping to get a place for Moses! Nature really is a beautiful teacher! Please feel free to ask any other questions, and I will follow this blog up soon with a kit list!