What is Forest School?

At Violet Way Academy, every child experiences regular Forest School sessions. Forest School is an inspirational educational experience that offers our children opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on experiences in our beautiful, natural woodland environment. 

Children are motivated by exciting and achievable activities throughout the year in almost all weathers. Forest School experiences enable children to develop an understanding of the natural world around them. They learn about seasonal changes and recognise how the environment changes over time. Forest School sessions provide opportunities for children to develop their communication, speaking, listening and team building skills alongside increasing their knowledge of the natural world and learning about trees, mammals, plants and birds. They will use tools, learn to cooperate and work with their peers and adults, developing strategies in order to take measured risks. 

Forest School Leader

Our Forest School leader, Vicki Dawson, plans activities to spark curiosity and develop life-long skills. When planning Forest School sessions, she consults with the teaching staff, providing meaningful links to our school curriculum. Our Forest School ethos is to encourage and empower the children to lead their own learning whilst the teachers support the children's questions, comments and learning, setting appropriate challenges. 

What does my child need for Forest School?

The weather can be very unpredictable, so we ask parents to ensure that children have a pair of wellies that can be kept in school. We have over 270 pairs of wellies in school, so please ensure that they are labelled with your child's name! On their Forest School session days, children should come to school in their school uniform shirt and jumper and wear comfortable, plain, dark jogging bottoms or leggings. They will also need to wear a waterproof coat or waterproof overalls.