Forest School

Every opportunity

Here at Cliff Lane, we place a great deal of value and belief in the benefits of outdoor learning. Forest School is an inspirational concept providing learning opportunities, through practical activities in the outdoor environment. Children enjoy the freedom to explore and experience the natural world, in all seasons and in all weathers. Forest School embraces an approach of nurturing, supporting and developing the self-esteem of the participants. It is an ideal environment in which to develop innovation, problem solving, risk-taking, creativity and teamwork.

Our Approach

Forest School sessions at Cliff Lane Primary School will provide diverse opportunities for children to benefit from a supportive and vibrant curriculum that can help them build positive values and attitudes about themselves, what they are learning, and the environment in which they live. 

We offer children;

• a belief in a unique, multi-sensory long term educational approach based on tuning into nature and the environment first hand and experiencing all it has to offer. 

• the opportunity to learn new skills, consolidate learned skills in many different contexts and use the school of nature to grow in confidence, wisdom, resilience and independence. 

• the freedom to take risks, learn what that feels like, and express themselves through holistic experiences. To share opportunities and experiences with like minded, knowledgeable, engaged adults who are tuned into individual needs and circumstances to enable all children to reach their potential through the best possible outcomes. 

• the opportunity to grow into well rounded individuals, who can express themselves confidently, are self motivated and use the life skills they have acquired to conquer the world with zest and grit.

What will my child need to wear?

To allow children to participate fully, the correct clothing is essential for Forest School. We are outside whatever the weather at Forest School, and because we will be experiencing weather throughout the seasons, it is important children come to school dressed appropriately on their allocated day.

We ask that all children come to school wearing their forest school clothes on the day they are participating in forest school. Please keep a pair of wellies and a change of clothes at school, and arrive in trainers that can be changed at school, especially as the children’s forest school shoes get very muddy.

All participants will need to wear:

• Long sleeved t-shirt (even during the warmer days to prevent scratches/potential bites or stings) and jumper or hoodie if required.

• Jogging bottoms/leggings - no shorts please. 

(Without arms and legs covered, children will not be able to use tools & light the fire.)

• Waterproof trousers & jackets if you have your own. We have some waterproof jackets and trousers available for the children to borrow if your child does not own these

• Wellies and/or trainers

• During the summer, a sunhat and sunscreen should be supplied

• During the colder months, extra layers such as a fleece, leggings, extra top, tights or woollen socks. Hats and gloves will be required. Please avoid jeans in wet and cold weather.

These need to be old clothes, as we do not intend to stay clean! Please bear in mind your child could possibly get muddy. Forest School programs operate all year round regardless of weather conditions. If you feel you are unable to provide the items requested above for your child, please ask about a discretionary bursary request form from the school office.

Is it safe?

The safety and the welfare of the pupils participating in Forest School is paramount and therefore all tasks are age appropriate and risk assessments have been carried out for all the activities prior to them taking place. 

The benefits every child gains through the forest school experience far outweigh any potential risks and we see risk taking within a safe environment as an essential part of your child’s developing  independence and future development.