Forest School

Trinity Academy Akroydon is unique in that our pupils enjoy the amazing learning opportunities presented by a Forest School – right in the heart of our academy grounds!

Whilst this may not seem possible based on a drive down the main road, our Forest School is a piece of inspiration within our grounds, representing opportunities for children to appreciate and enjoy the outdoor environment. This provision nurtures an understanding and respect for natural places in children, how to manage risk, and allows children to develop the skills to look after themselves and each other.

Led by an experienced Forest School Leader, children will enjoy the learning opportunities presented by the outdoor environment.

Children experience nature first hand through a series of engaging and achievable practical activities, including having the freedom to explore and experience the natural world in all seasons and all weathers. The Forest School experience brings learning to life as it is an ideal environment in which to work co-operatively with others, solve problems, take risks, be creative and develop independence. Some of the ways this is achieved include:

  • Playing games
  • Pond dipping
  • Den building or making shelters
  • Creating art from nature
  • Wood whittling/woodwork
  • Learning a variety of knots
  • Finding wildlife
  • Miniature raft building

All classes benefit from these sessions on a rota basis, and parents are informed when their child will be starting their block. All activities are age-appropriate, with risk assessments carried out for all activities.

What clothes do children need?

To provide the opportunity for children to participate fully in our outdoor sessions  it is important for children to wear clothing that will keep them warm and dry regardless of the weather – the Forest School runs in all weathers! Clothes will get dirty, so we recommend that old clothes are sent.  Children are asked to bring:

  • Sturdy boots or Wellington boots.
  • Socks that are long enough to tuck trousers in and prevent rubbing, especially if children are wearing Wellingtons.
  • Long trousers such as jogging bottoms, jeans or trousers.
  • Long sleeved top/ shirt to ensure arms are covered even when it is sunny.
  • Waterproof jacket.
  • Waterproof over trousers (or a spare pair of trousers to wear outdoors if they get wet)
  • An extra layer is useful in case the weather changes or the wind has a chill even when it is sunny.
  • Jumpers when it gets colder.

Hints and tips

  • Layers are better at keeping children warm.
  • A hat is a must in the colder months.
  • Tights, pyjama bottoms or really long socks under trousers help keep out the cold.
  • Scarves get in the way – a snood is better.
  • Wellington boots need extra thick socks to keep feet warm or several pairs of thin socks.
  • Waterproof trousers need to be worn at every session in the winter as they keep out the damp when children are kneeling, sitting on logs etc.
  • Leggings should be avoided, as they are not very good at keeping out the cold.
  • Please ensure that children’s clothing has their name on.
  • We ask that a named bag big enough to keep all of the items in is supplied.
Ofsted Good Provider
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