Children from Pink, Silver, Onyx, Emerald, Sapphire, Green and Purple  classes have all taken part in activities in Forest school. They have explored the Elleray Park  outdoor space looking for key plants and animals such as Bluebells, forget me nots, bees and butterflies .They have learnt about the colours blue and yellow and where they can find them in the natural environment Children have also had lots of sensory experiences and have really enjoyed exploring their environment. They took lots of opportunities to communicate and interact with each other, which forest school has one of its key principles.

At our forest school site at Thingwall we now have an allotment. We also have a wild area with substantial tree cover which really changes the experience and the atmosphere of the space. This is a great place to go bug hunting and finding lots of invertebrates. It also provides excellent habitat for many different flora and fauna for the children to experience.

Lots of different groups across school have taken part in Forest school sessions this half term, both on site and offsite. When we do our forest schools we aim to follow the guiding principles set out by the Forest school association.

1) Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment.

2) Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between leaner and the natural world.

3) Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

4) Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

5) Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

In our Forest school sessions the theme is Bugs and we are looking at some of our most important bugs in the environment from the pollinators, such as bees, through to the humble earth worm that helps keep our soils healthy. We will be looking at different colours that are important in our environment and how they are linked to the plants and flowers that we find in the natural environment. 

The ethos of Forest Schools is to allow children freedom to (through exciting and well planned activities) learn new skills, to take risks (under supervision), be independent, self motivated,  be able to express their emotions and use their imagination.

Through our weekly sessions we have already noticed changes in children's ability to follow safety rules and use equipment  and have seen some amazing communication skills and teamwork.

The children that have experienced Forest School have really come to life throughout the sessions, gaining confidence interacting with others and enjoying being in the natural environment