At Feltham Hill, we are committed to providing rich, hands-on learning experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence and a deep connection with the natural world. Our Forest School programme offers children weekly opportunities to explore, discover and learn in an inspiring outdoor environment, carefully designed to support their holistic development.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a child-centred, teacher-led approach to outdoor learning that originates from Scandinavia. It encourages children to develop independence, resilience and teamwork through regular, practical activities in a natural setting. Sessions are planned by trained Forest School practitioners and take place in all seasons and all weathers.

Our Forest School Ethos

At Feltham Hill we believe that every child should have the chance to:

• Build confidence and self-esteem through achievable challenges

• Take supported, appropriate risks in a safe environment

• Develop problem-solving skills and resilience

• Strengthen communication, collaboration and social skills

• Experience awe, wonder and joy in nature

• Build a lifelong love of the outdoors

Our sessions emphasise exploration, imagination and discovery. Children follow their interests, create their own challenges and learn through hands-on experiences.

What Do the Children Do at Forest School?

Every session offers a blend of guided activities and free exploration, allowing children to make choices and work at their own pace. Activities may include:

• Den building

• Nature crafts and natural art

• Mini-beast hunts and habitat exploration

• Fire safety learning and occasional supervised campfire sessions

• Simple tool use (e.g. peelers, mallets) under close adult supervision

• Team challenges and problem-solving games

• Storytelling, imaginative play and mindfulness moments in nature

Our approach ensures activities are age-appropriate and matched to children’s confidence and developmental needs across EYFS and Key Stage 1.

Safety and Supervision

Children’s safety is always our highest priority. All sessions are risk-assessed, led by appropriately trained staff and supported by additional adults. We teach children how to keep themselves and others safe, introducing tool use and fire activities gradually and responsibly.

What Should Children Wear?

Forest School takes place in all weathers, so appropriate clothing is essential. We ask that children come with:

• Waterproof coat

• Wellies or sturdy outdoor boots

• Warm layers in colder months

• Sun hats / sun cream when needed

• Old clothes that can get muddy!

We have spare waterproofs and wellies available if needed.

How Forest School Supports Learning

Forest School complements our curriculum and supports children’s learning across all areas. Through outdoor exploration, children develop stronger language skills, improved physical development, greater emotional well-being, and increased curiosity and motivation. These benefits feed directly back into their classroom learning and personal development.

Why Forest School Matters at Feltham Hill

Our Forest School sessions reflect our LEARN values and our belief that children thrive when they are active, engaged and supported to take meaningful risks in a safe, nurturing environment. By spending time outdoors, children develop independence, resilience and a sense of responsibility towards themselves, others and the natural world.