Forest School

Welcome to Didsbury Road Primary School’s Forest School

We are very fortunate to have our own Forest School Site here at Didsbury Road Primary School.

We currently offer Forest School to Year 1, Year 3, Year 5 and Reception.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is based on the principle that children of all ages can benefit greatly from the learning opportunities inherently present in a woodland environment. Forest Schools provides opportunities in an outdoor setting for children to develop a variety of skills: particularly PSHE skills such as independence, self-discovery, communication, self-esteem and confidence building. Children learn to take risks, use their initiatives and co-operate. Beyond this, teachers can use the outdoor environment as a vehicle for art activities, key science concepts, developing physical skills and a whole lot more! In a typical session there may be an adult-led activity, but the ethos of Forest Schools also allows time for children to follow their own learning pathways and interests and adults then support them in their learning. Forest School is organised and delivered by a qualified Forest School Leader.

Our Intent

At Didsbury Road Primary School, our Forest School provision provides nurturing, positive outdoor learning experiences to support our children’s well-being and personal development. Children learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and how to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Children participating in Forest School have the opportunity to explore, play, learn boundaries of behaviour and develop life-long skills such a confidence, resilience, independence and motivation, whilst making links to the curriculum.

Activities

All our activities are carried out in a safe and controlled manner and the activities that your child will participate in will depend on the age, ability and experience. Examples of Forest School activities include:

Woodland management

Environmental exploration

Nature exploration

Building dens and other structures

Fire lighting and cooking

Games and invitations for imaginative play and discovery

Natural crafts

Using tools

Scavenger hunts and adventure

Seasonal celebrations

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We asked the children what they thought of their Forest School experience!

Click the leaves to read!

Thank you to Ayaan, Thomas, Nikolete, Maeve, Jasmine, Anjuma, Harrison and Neave in 3C for your wonderful writing!

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Can you help our Mud Kitchen?

Forest School

If you have any old pots, pan, utensils, kitchen 'bits' at home that you no longer need please bring them to the office, labelled FAO Miss James, so that we can create a Mud Kitchen in Forest School. 

Any old gardening equipment and clean, nail-free wood also welcome!