Forest School at St Stephen's

Forest School is an integral part of life at St Stephen's, providing children with regular opportunities to learn, explore and thrive in the natural environment. Through hands-on experiences at Brookmill Nature Reserve, pupils develop resilience, confidence, independence and a lifelong respect for the natural world.

Intent

At St Stephen's C of E Primary School, we believe outdoor learning provides unique opportunities for children to learn beyond the classroom. Through our Forest School programme, pupils develop a deep connection with nature while building resilience, confidence, independence and creativity. Our learner-centred approach encourages children to embrace challenge, work collaboratively, solve problems and develop the emotional wellbeing and self-belief needed to flourish both in school and beyond.

Our Forest School programme follows the principles of the Forest School Association, providing regular, long-term sessions rather than one-off outdoor experiences. Learning is carefully planned, observed and reviewed to ensure children develop progressively through meaningful experiences in nature.

Our curriculum is underpinned by four key principles:

• The right to play

• The right to access the outdoors

• The right to experience supported risk in the natural environment

• The right to develop emotionally and socially through collaboration and shared experiences

Operating from our dedicated site at Brookmill Nature Reserve, Forest School provides an inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging through exploration and discovery.

Implementation

Curriculum Progression

Forest School sessions take place regularly throughout the year, allowing pupils to experience the changing seasons and build increasingly secure outdoor skills over time. Children revisit and extend their learning through practical experiences, developing confidence, independence and resilience with each session.

Sessions are learner-led, giving children opportunities to make decisions, explore their interests and take ownership of their learning while being supported and challenged appropriately.

Key Concepts

Forest School develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to become confident, capable learners through:

• Exploration and curiosity

• Problem solving

• Supported risk-taking

• Teamwork and communication

• Resilience and perseverance

• Emotional wellbeing and self-awareness

• Respect for nature and the environment

Children learn to manage risks responsibly, solve practical problems, use natural resources safely and work collaboratively while developing independence and self-confidence.

Curriculum Delivery

Forest School is delivered to designated year groups, including Years 2, 3 and 4, by a fully qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioner with up-to-date paediatric and outdoor first aid training.

The school works closely with Lewisham environmental services to maintain Brookmill Nature Reserve as a safe and inspiring learning environment. Comprehensive risk assessments, site management procedures and public liability arrangements ensure children can explore and learn safely while experiencing appropriate levels of challenge.

Cross-Curricular Links

Forest School enhances learning across the wider curriculum through meaningful, real-life experiences. Pupils apply knowledge and skills from science, geography, mathematics, art, Design and Technology, PE and PSHE while learning outdoors.

Children investigate habitats and seasonal change, use mathematical skills through measuring and estimating, create using natural materials, and develop physical coordination through active exploration. Forest School also supports pupils' personal development by promoting resilience, teamwork, emotional regulation and confidence, making it particularly valuable for children with SEND.

Impact

Forest School has a lasting impact on pupils' personal development and wellbeing. By the end of their Forest School experiences, children are more resilient, confident and reflective learners who approach challenges with curiosity and perseverance. They develop a strong sense of responsibility for themselves, others and the natural environment, transferring these skills into the classroom and wider school life.

Our pupils will:

• Take supported risks confidently and safely

• Work collaboratively to solve problems and share responsibility

• Demonstrate resilience, perseverance and emotional self-regulation

• Show independence, confidence and ownership of their learning

• Develop a lasting appreciation of and respect for the natural environment

Assessment is ongoing through observation, pupil reflection and practitioner evaluation. Regular sessions allow children to demonstrate increasing confidence, independence and resilience over time while developing the practical, social and emotional skills that support success across the wider curriculum and beyond.