Our sessions will usually be held at our picturesque setting in Wing Hall Farm where we have a small wood, our farm animals including pigs, sheep, horses, and our small animals. We are also lucky to have a large pond and a lake we can utilise for learning too. There is an allotment for the children and a ‘fire pit’ where we gather round for storytelling and learning. Down by the pond there is a jetty where the children can safely paddle and pond dip and explore safely, always under adult supervision.
As children explore the natural habitat and work with our animals, they become more in harmony with nature and learn an understanding of how farms work, bringing a sense of belonging and contentment to our global community.
Forest School is also a place to assess risk in a safe environment. This challenging play helps develop self-confidence, competence, emotional resilience and a sense of independence. Without risk and challenge, children are at risk of losing their sense of aspiration and ambition.
Children are given opportunities to experience challenge through tasks which are both achievable and a challenge. We believe this encourages children of any age to try and persevere at a task which is within their abilities to achieve. All our programmes are tailored to children’s abilities and interests.
NHS guidelines suggest that children under the age of 5 need 3 hours of exercise per day and that it should be a mixture of bone strengthening, muscle building and cardiovascular. The Forest School environment provide a range of opportunities for these needs and well as supporting a healthy growing mind.
