Forest School | Cranford School

Forest Schools were first developed in Scandinavia in the 1950s, operating on the principle that children of all ages benefit from the learning opportunities presented by an outdoor environment. Forest School is now widely recognised as valuable way for children to experience a full and enhanced curriculum outdoors. It has proved such a success at Cranford that we have now extended it throughout our Junior School.

Through regular weekly Forest School sessions, children develop:

Innate motivation and a positive attitude to learning

Personal confidence and self-esteem

Improved language, communication and social skills

The ability to identify and manage some of their own risks

A wider range of physical skills

A greater understanding of natural and man-made environments

“In the EYFS, children display excellent independence as they actively seek out and engage in a range of different tasks”
ISI Inspection November 2022

At Cranford, we recognise the benefits that spending quality time outdoors has for children of all ages. Our weekly Forest School sessions are the most valuable way for children to experience a full and enhanced curriculum outdoors. Children are encouraged to explore and play through specifically designed activities aimed to encourage their interest in the natural world. Activities might include bug hunting, mud painting or den building.

Our Forest School sessions focus on play, exploration and supported risk-taking. Both problem-solving and self-discovery are important features of these sessions. We encourage children to learn through hands-on experiential learning which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Activities such as sharing tools and participating in play help teach the children to work together as a group, strengthening their communication skills and social bonds.

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