Forest School

The Forest School Experience at Northfields

Our Forest School sessions give pupils the chance to learn, explore and grow in the natural world. It’s hands-on, child-led, and rooted firmly in the idea that children thrive when they’re given time, space and trust.

Forest School at Northfields is:

  • Child-initiated and supported by skilled adults
  • Run over at least nine consecutive weeks
  • Built around consistent groups and trusted adults
  • Flexible, varied and responsive to pupil interests
  • Rich in purposeful outdoor learning – no pencils needed
  • Fully cross-curricular, without being curriculum-driven
  • Great fun, whatever the weather

How Forest School Works at Northfields

Across the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms, all Year 1 and Year 2 pupils take part in Forest School on Monday afternoons within our school grounds. Reception pupils enjoy weekly sessions throughout the year.

Children work in small groups with our Forest School Leader — a ratio of 1:6 in Reception and 1:8 in Key Stage 1. Each group stays together for the full block of sessions, helping pupils to build confidence, friendships and strong teamwork skills.

Every week, pupils take part in activities planned by our Forest School Co-ordinator, as well as following their own interests and discovering their own possibilities as learners outdoors.

Forest School has deep roots in Scandinavian education, where the benefits quickly became clear: children become more resilient, more imaginative and more confident when they learn outdoors. Many areas of the curriculum are met naturally through Forest School, without sessions ever needing to be curriculum-led.

The Role of Adults at Forest School

Our staff support pupils by:

  • Talking with them and listening carefully
  • Modelling outdoor skills
  • Offering help only when it’s genuinely needed
  • Encouraging problem-solving and independence
  • Supporting children’s individual interests
  • Ensuring safety without removing appropriate challenge
  • Giving pupils time — one of the most powerful tools we have

What Pupils Learn

Forest School helps children to:

  • Build independence
  • Strengthen physical development
  • Develop responsibility for themselves and others
  • Grow their language and communication
  • Work together as a team
  • Boost their self-esteem
  • Sharpen problem-solving skills
  • Experience nature and seasonal change first-hand
  • Learn how to assess and manage risk

Visits and Visitors

Year 1 and Year 2 also take part in Forest School sessions at Wood, deepening their experience of woodland learning beyond the school grounds.