Forest School is a child-led approach to learning that incorporates children’s right to play, to access the outdoor environment and to feel success. 

Forest School is a unique way of building independence and self-esteem in young children, exposing them to the natural world at a time where it is vital for children to understand their impact on the environment. It is as child -centred and child-led programme that provides the opportunity for the children to use their personal learning style to complete various activities.

Forest School is an opportunity for the children at Clifton Hampden CE Primary to have new, creative experiences in the outdoor environment in a safe way.  Children will have opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.

Through purposeful and careful planning of Forest School experiences, we strive to increase self-esteem, improve children’s concentration, attendance, behaviour and academic achievement. 

Forest School promotes cultural diversity, ensuring everyone feels valued and that individuality is celebrated. We are highly confident that Forest School provision will not only compliment and extend the curriculum, but also nurture children to become successful lifelong learners and happy, fulfilled adults who can make positive choices about their futures.

Forest School learning experiences create endless opportunities for cross-curricular links to Science, Mathematics, English, Geography and Art.

The children in EYFS have weekly Forest School sessions.

Children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 experience Forest school sessions for two terms throughout the academic year.