Intent

At South Ascot Village Primary School, Forest School plays a vital role in supporting every child’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. Our intent is to provide a unique and inspiring outdoor learning experience that nurtures confidence, resilience, independence and self-esteem through regular, meaningful access to our woodland environment. We aim for every child to feel successful, capable and valued while developing a lifelong connection with the natural world and a genuine appreciation for spending time outdoors.

Pupils engage in a broad, carefully planned range of hands-on outdoor experiences, including shelter building, safe tool use, ropes and knots, fire lighting and cooking, exploration, play, biodiversity and environmental awareness. Children are taught to understand how to work safely, manage risk appropriately and respect themselves, others and the environment. Progression is carefully sequenced across the school, with skills introduced early and developed over time. For example, pupils in Reception begin with simple knot-tying and basic woodland skills, while older pupils apply more advanced techniques to construct complex shelters, rope ladders and swings. Through these experiences, children develop a clear understanding of how plants, animals, insects and humans are interconnected and how their actions can positively or negatively impact the natural world.

Forest School is fully embedded within the wider curriculum and acts as a dynamic outdoor classroom that enriches learning across all subjects. Language and communication skills are developed through discussion, storytelling and environmental vocabulary; scientific understanding is deepened through first-hand exploration of habitats, living things, materials, forces and fire safety; and mathematical skills are applied through measuring, estimating, counting and recognising shape and space in real contexts. Art, Design and Technology are enhanced through wood craft, natural printing, tool use and creative projects, while PSHE is threaded throughout as pupils collaborate, problem-solve, develop resilience and learn empathy and respect. Physical development is strengthened through climbing, balancing, lifting and navigating uneven terrain, alongside opportunities for movement and expression. Links to history, geography, music, food technology and textiles are woven naturally into woodland experiences, ensuring learning is purposeful, memorable and meaningful.

Forest School is child-led and values curiosity, discovery and play. Pupils are encouraged to take appropriate risks, persevere when faced with a challenge and focus on the learning journey rather than the final outcome. Working in small groups, children develop teamwork, communication, cooperation and leadership skills as they share ideas, support peers and take responsibility within a supportive environment. Experiencing the outdoors in all weathers helps children build physical and emotional resilience, recognise their own abilities and develop confidence in unfamiliar or unpredictable situations.

By the end of their Forest School journey, pupils leave South Ascot Village Primary School with a deep, lasting connection to nature and the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy the outdoors safely, responsibly and creatively. They are able to use a range of tools safely, build shelters, cook on an open fire, identify local plants and wildlife, manage risk, solve problems and apply their learning across the wider curriculum. Most importantly, they leave feeling calm, capable and inspired, with a strong sense of wellbeing and a lifelong love of the natural world, motivated to care for and protect the environment both now and in the future.

Implementation

Forest School at South Ascot Village Primary School is taught by a fully qualified Level 3 Forest School Practitioner and sessions are located in our spectacular woodland that is within the school boundary. This mixed woodland, with dense vegetation and varied terrain, offers a rich and stimulating environment for exploration, play and challenge, and is perfectly suited to activities such as shelter building, tool use, teamwork and imaginative games.

Forest School is fully inclusive and tailored to meet the needs of every pupil. All activities are adapted for varying abilities and learning styles, with teaching assistants providing targeted support. Pupils from The Canopy are fully integrated into every session, engaging alongside their peers and making progress at their individual levels. Through careful planning and risk assessment, all pupils benefit from a safe, engaging environment that promotes confidence, resilience, and social, emotional, and practical skills.

With weekly, all-year-round access to the woodland, pupils observe the natural changes that occur throughout the four seasons and develop a strong understanding of the natural world. Attending Forest School in all weathers helps children build physical and emotional resilience and teaches them the importance of preparation and personal responsibility. Pupils learn to organise themselves by bringing appropriate clothing to stay warm, dry and safe, developing independence and the understanding that there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.

Forest School sessions are carefully structured yet flexible, allowing children to explore at a level appropriate to their age, stage and ability. Previous skills and knowledge are regularly revisited and reinforced, ensuring that all pupils can access activities confidently and safely.

The Forest School environment supports the development of self-esteem, confidence and emotional awareness. Play is central to the Forest School approach, allowing children to explore, experiment and discover through hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity and independence.

Impact

All pupils at South Ascot Village School grow in confidence through the freedom, time, and space provided by outdoor learning. Forest School empowers pupils to understand their physical limits and teaches them to assess and manage risk effectively. Our provision encourages problem-solving, logical thinking, and self-reflection.

Every pupil has a Forest School name, giving them an individual identity and a sense of belonging in the woods.  Each week, the pupils who have gained a 'Star of the Week' certificate are rewarded by sitting on the Forest School throne and enjoy a ceremony where they are made the woodland King or Queen for the day.  By sharing woodland materials and participating in child-led play, children learn to collaborate as a group, strengthening their social bonds, communication, and teamwork. Every session includes dedicated time for reflection, allowing children to share and celebrate their successes.

The rich sensory experiences of Forest School prompt significant language development. As children develop an interest in the great outdoors, they build a lasting respect for the natural world. The changing seasons and weather offer a wealth of interest and constant opportunities for discovery.

Assessment is integrated into every session. We monitor engagement, social interactions, tool proficiency, risk awareness, and overall enjoyment. Each pupil receives a termly grade based on these observations, alongside their attendance, progress in core skills, and the development of personal traits such as teamwork, resilience, and independence. These assessments inform future planning and provide a clear record of each child’s Forest School journey.

Forest School links with all curriculum subjects and enriches the wider curriculum.  Pupils gain an evolving knowledge of species and a clear understanding of the interdependence of plants, animals and humans within the woodland ecosystem.