Forest School

At High Meadow Community School, we are proud to offer Forest School sessions to all our children from Nursery through to Year 6. These weekly outdoor learning experiences are designed to foster curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world.

Research shows that Forest School approaches significantly enhance children’s personal development, social skills, and well-being. Regular engagement with nature supports physical health, improves concentration, and nurtures creativity and problem-solving abilities. Children develop confidence as they take manageable risks and learn through hands-on, child-led activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Through Forest School, we strive to enhance the quality of teaching and learning by offering unique and experiential learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom setting. Our forest school lead is trained to facilitate child-led learning, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

Every child, in every year group, has the opportunity to experience an engaging and exciting curriculum at our Forest School throughout the year led by our very own Forest School Lead. Our outdoor learning curriculum has been recognised through the awarding of the National Eco Schools Award.

It is an innovative educational approach of playing and learning in a safe woodland environment through hands-on learning experiences. Forest School started in Scandinavia in the 1950’s and by the 1980s was an integral part of schooling in Denmark. It started as teaching children about the natural world in a way that gives children experiential learning in their local woodland. These learning experiences help to develop communication, confidence and practical skills, as well as a greater understanding of the environment.

Forest school is based on the principles of having regular visits to our own school woodland area with our own Forest School Lead, who carefully plans activities based on the observed needs and interests of the children.

Our Forest School programme aligns with our vision of "Growing together, every day, in every way," by encouraging children to explore, collaborate, and grow holistically. Each session provides opportunities for children to build their knowledge of the environment, develop their learning powers, and experience memorable moments that enrich their lifelong learning journey.

We believe that these experiences not only complement our knowledge-rich curriculum but also help children develop vital skills and attitudes that prepare them for future learning and life beyond school.