FOREST SCHOOL

Our Forest School is Postponed Until Further Notice - Date to be Confirmed

During the Summer Term, we run one forest school session per week  with a qualified forest school leader, aided by a staff member from Hopscotch Nursery. Forest school is for children age 3 and above and runs between the hours of 9:45am and 12:45pm. It is held offsite in local woodland and costs £30 per session. Free Education Entitlement hours cannot be used for Forest School. 

Fees

1 session / week

Thursday morning 

9.45 am – 12.45 pm.

Minimum age: 3 years

£30
There is a minimum sign up of 6 sessions. Invoices are sent out in advance to each term and payable before the first session of Forest School. Children must be 3 years of age to attend Forest School sessions. 
Register your Interest

WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

A UNIQUE AND INSPIRATIONAL PROCESS

Forest School offers children the opportunity to develop confidence and self-esteem, through hands on learning experiences in a woodland environment. It offers a place, a special place, where children and adults can discover who they are, and ‘be’ who they are without interruptions and without judgement. It is a place where children are free to choose their learning path. They are recognised and respected as capable learners. Teaching and learning, at Forest School, is a mutual process.


Children are given the freedom to explore, without pressure of having to complete a task or activity. It is about building relationships - with one another, with nature and the group. Children are provided opportunities to take safe risks and learn how to manage their own risks. Often, much of what happens in Forest School cannot be put into words. It’s more of a feeling that grows and lays roots. It’s about the little things, that some may say are ‘unimportant’. It’s about the big things that really matter to children, no matter how small. It’s about noise and it’s about silence. Sometimes the most important messages are conveyed without saying a word. It’s about recognising when to step in and when to take a step back and when to jump in the biggest puddle! It’s about life, it’s about laughter, it’s about curiosity and it’s about living. 

ACTIVITIES

EXPLORATION & CREATIVITY

Every day will bring new challenges and experiences for the children. Our sessions are flexible, so there will be no set ‘plan’ for the day; however, resources will be on site for the children to use, should they wish to do so. Some examples of activities may include, but not be limited to: 

* woodland crafts
* nature exploration and woodland walks
* building dens and other creations
* building fires
* cooking over fires
* games and imaginative play
* using tools
* creative art
* story telling
* singing songs
* tree climbing
* erecting shelters and knot tying

OUR ETHOS

We aim to create an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, where children are able to direct their learning, make considered decisions and test their limits in a safe environment. 

Adults are there to support and guide, and will build relationships with each and every child, to ensure their interests are met and their love for learning is heightened. We recognise that all children are unique and at Hopscotch Forest School, their individuality will be encouraged.

WHAT WE GET UP TO

Hover over each picture to find out more!

Getting Here

*Details to be confirmed in due course.

Collection

*Details to be confirmed in due course.

Snacks

We provide a healthy snack for the children about mid-way through a session, this snack usually consists of either; fruit and vegetables, such as apples/carrots, and oat cakes. 

We will consult with you about your child’s dietary needs before their first session of forest school. You may also wish to pack a more substantial snack for your child which you are welcome to do so.

What to Bring

Please bring a rucksack packed with a set of spare clothes (including socks and gloves), a drink and a snack. If your child is still in nappies, you will need to provide these as well. We will have spare drinking water should your child need a refill. Please avoid sugary drinks and food and remember no nut products. It is useful to name any items your child brings, so we can help them find their rightful owner, should they get lost. In adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or lightning storms, sessions will be cancelled.
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What to Wear

The session will continue to run in all weather. Dressing your child in the right clothing makes a huge difference to the experience they will have. If they are cold or wet, it will not be enjoyable for them. Listed below are suggestions of what to wear/bring along, during summer and winter months.

Summer

• long sleeved top

• long trousers (not jeans)

• trainers, sturdy outdoor boots or wellies

• 2 x pairs of socks (one spare to be in rucksack)

• hat

• sun cream (to be applied at home - if necessary)

• insect repellant/patches (optional). There are many natural remedies that can be purchased.

• waterproof trousers/dungarees & jacket.

Winter

• thermal top & trousers/long johns

• long sleeved top

• long trousers (not jeans)

• 2 x pairs of wool, or a combination of wool and synthetic

socks (one spare pair to be in rucksack. Avoid cotton socks)

• sock liners (optional, but may be more comfortable when

worn with wool socks)

• lined wellies are sturdy warm outdoor boots

• warm hat & neck warmer

• 2 x pairs of gloves/mittens (1 spare pair in rucksack)

• waterproof trousers/dungarees and jacket (fleece lining/liner

to be worn)

The following websites may be useful when searching for outdoor clothing:

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

FOREST SCHOOL SESSIONS DUE TO COMMENCE IN APRIL 2022

Please pop your details below to register your interest.