We are proud of our Forest School at Michaelchurch Escley. At Michaelchurch we offer a unique teaching and learning experience in an ever-changing environment, capturing children’s curiosity, stimulating their senses, building their self-confidence and nurturing their well-being. Children learn new skills and then apply these as they navigate their own learning journeys and develop a deeper connection with nature. Forest School takes a holistic approach to learning and the benefits are intellectual, physical, cognitive and emotional. 

Our school motto – BE CURIOUS!

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an educational approach that takes learning outdoors, allowing children to experience nature first hand. It began in Scandinavia in the 1950s and spread to the UK in the 1990s. It’s based on the belief that playing and exploring in nature leads to children developing self-esteem, independence, and better social skills.

At Forest School, children engage in activities that let them explore the natural world. They learn to take risks, problem-solve, work together, and develop practical outdoor skills like building shelters, identifying plants and wildlife, and using tools safely.

Principles of Forest School

• The Long-Term Principle: Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School. At Michaelchurch, across the school, children have a weekly two-hour forest school session on a Friday afternoon.
• The Nature Principle: Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world. At Michaelchurch, we use our ‘Spinney’ and local area.
• The Risk Principle: Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves. At Michaelchurch, we promote an understanding of risks, so children can confidently take them when they feel ready.
• The Holistic Learning Principle: Forest School supports the development of resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners. At Michaelchurch, we aim to enhance physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and linguistic skills.
• The Leadership Principle: Forest School is run by qualified practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice. At Michaelchurch, we continuously provide training and professional development opportunities to staff. Some staff members are Level 3 Forest School trained.
• The Community Principle: Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning. At Michaelchurch, we follow sessions where children’s ideas shape the planning and activities.

Preschool

At Michaelchurch Escley Preschool, we are deeply committed to fostering a love for the outdoors in our youngest learners. As part of this commitment, the preschool children participate in weekly Forest School sessions that align with the values and guidelines outlined in this handbook. These sessions provide a rich, hands-on learning experience where children can explore the natural environment, cultivate curiosity, and develop essential life skills.

Our preschoolers love getting outside, and we believe that regular outdoor education is invaluable for their emotional, social, and intellectual development. By immersing them in nature, we support their ability to problem-solve, take calculated risks, and build resilience—essential components of our ethos.

What do we do at Michaelchurch?

At Michaelchurch Escley, children experience a wide range of activities at Forest School, such as:

• Exploring nature: Identifying plants, wildlife, and learning about ecosystems.
• Shelter Building: Working as a team to create shelters using natural materials, building dens, nests and habitats.
• Tool Use: Learning to use tools safely under supervision, like saws and knives.
• Campfires: Building and cooking over a fire while learning about fire safety.
• Crafts and Creative Play: Using natural materials to create art and engage in imaginative play.

Where do we do this?

Some of our Forest School sessions take place in ‘The Spinney’, a dedicated woodland area located just off our main field. This fenced, natural space features a variety of engaging environments for the children to explore. Inside, you'll find a sheltered area, a log circle for gatherings, and a carefully managed fire pit, where our campfires and cooking activities happen. A stream meanders through the site, forming a shallow pond with a pontoon for the children to observe and interact with the water safely. The Spinney is rich with trees, wildlife, and natural resources, making it a great place to be curious!

In addition to our on-site sessions at The Spinney, some of our Forest School adventures take place off-site in the surrounding local area. A firm favourite with the children is our visits to Elkie’s Wood, a beautiful woodland just a short walk away. Rich with towering trees and diverse wildlife, Elkie’s Wood offers a larger space for exploration and deeper connection with nature. Other features in our local area include ponds, streams, hills, wildlife, and wood blocks. Please see the map below of our local area.

Clothing list

• Woolly hat/sun hat
• Gloves
• Jacket/waterproof coat
• Fleece/sweatshirt (tops must be long sleeved)
• Long trousers
• Spare socks
• Wellies/boots
• An emergency change of clothes and a bag for dirty/wet clothing

Rules of Forest School

• Look after your Forest School
• Do not pick anything growing
• Do not put your fingers or anything else in your mouth
• Stay within the boundaries

No Pick, No Lick and Stop at the Boundary