About Forest Schools

We have been part of Corby Forest Schools Project for nearly five years now. We were one of the original schools to participate and since then the project has gone from strength to strength.

We have taken hundreds of children to the forest and the feedback from both the children and adults who have attended have said it has been a positive experience which has enhanced the children’s learning and self esteem.

What happens at Forest Schools?

Our site is situated in Fineshade Wood which is owned and managed by the Forestry Commission. We have our own part cordoned off which we have developed to include a seating area, a fire pit and a dry area. We are currently taking children from Year 4 in Key Stage 2 and Foundation 2 children in Key Stage 1. Other times are used to take targeted groups which have additional needs.

The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences.

By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation and sound emotional and social skills. These, through self awareness can be developed to reach personal potential.

Forest Schools has demonstrated success with children of all ages who visit the same local woodlands on a regular basis and through play, have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Forest School programmes runs weekly throughout the year, and children go to the woods in all weathers. Children use full sized tools, play and learn boundaries of behaviour, both physical and social. They establish and grow in confidence and self-esteem and become self motivated.

Children, and increasingly adults, need time to thoroughly explore their thoughts, feelings and relationships.
This time and reflective practice develops understanding of the world, the environment and everything within it through the use of emotions, imagination and senses.

We hope this gives you a flavour of what we are doing at the forest and hope your child has enjoyed, or will enjoy their experience in the woods!