Our Forest School provision offers an inspiring, hands-on approach to learning that allows children to grow, explore, and develop a meaningful connection with the world around them. Rooted in the Scandinavian ethos of outdoor learning, our sessions place children’s wellbeing at the heart of the experience, nurturing confidence, resilience, independence, and a strong sense of belonging. Through regular opportunities to learn outdoors, children are given the freedom to explore, take supported risks, and flourish within the natural environment.

A Progressive Forest School Journey

Our Forest School curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced to support children as they grow and develop. Beginning in the infant years, children are introduced to the routines, language, and ethos of Forest School through sensory exploration, storytelling, imaginative play, and simple practical activities.

As children move through the school, opportunities become increasingly challenging and independent. They learn to assess risks, solve problems collaboratively, use tools safely, and take greater ownership of their learning. By Year 6, children are able to apply a wide range of practical, social, and reflective skills with confidence and maturity.

What Happens During Forest School?

Our Forest School sessions usually begin with a group game linked to the focus of the lesson or the termly theme. These games are carefully chosen to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and reinforce important routines and expectations in a fun and active way. For example, during sessions focused on fire safety, children take part in games that involve moving around the circle in a clockwise direction, helping them practise safe movement around the fire area through play and repetition.
This is followed by a focused activity designed to be accessible and achievable for every child, helping to develop confidence and a sense of success. Sometimes these activities are practical, such as learning knots, using tools safely, or developing shelter-building skills. At other times, they are creative and inspired by stories or children’s interests. Recently, after reading The Wild Robot, children explored the idea of how Roz the robot was viewed as a “monster” by the animals on the island and used this as inspiration to create their own clay creatures.

Children then move into “Explore Time”, an important part of Forest School where they are free to follow their own interests within the environment. During this time, children may choose to build, create, climb, swing, relax in hammocks, explore natural materials, work collaboratively, or simply spend quiet time in nature. The carefully prepared environment supports the development of independence, creativity, problem-solving skills, and imaginative play at each child’s own pace.

At the end of each session, children come back together to reflect on their experiences and share what they have enjoyed or how they have challenged themselves. These reflections often include discussions about teamwork, perseverance, or something they feel proud of, such as building a den, creating a nest, or trying something new for the first time. This part of the session naturally supports speaking and listening skills, giving children meaningful opportunities to communicate confidently, listen to others, and celebrate each other’s achievements. 

Forest School sessions are child-led and responsive to children’s interests. Practitioners carefully observe and support learning, helping children to build confidence, resilience, and independence through exploration and play.

Activities may include:

• den building and woodland games 
• campfire cooking 
• safe tool use 
• tree climbing and rope work 
• nature crafts and seasonal art 
• bug hunts and habitat creation 
• storytelling and reflection 
• collaborative challenges and problem-solving 

These experiences help children develop communication skills, resilience, perseverance, emotional awareness, and respect for others and the environment.

Keep track of our adventures on the South Camberley Forest School Instagram...

Connection to Nature

Spending regular time outdoors throughout the seasons helps children develop a genuine connection with the natural world. They learn to notice change, care for living things, and understand their role within the environment.
Whenever possible, sessions take place throughout the year and in a range of weather conditions, with safety and wellbeing always at the centre of our practice. Appropriate clothing helps children remain comfortable and able to fully engage in their outdoor learning experiences.

We are proud to offer Forest School throughout every stage of a child’s journey through our school, providing a continuous outdoor learning experience from the early years through to Year 6. This unique aspect of our provision reflects our strong belief in the positive impact Forest School has on children’s wellbeing, confidence, resilience, and personal development.

Curriculum Overview