In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative approaches to early childhood education, particularly those that embrace nature and outdoor learning. One such approach gaining popularity across the UK is Forest School. But what exactly is Forest School, and why is it considered so beneficial for young children?
What Is Forest School?
Forest School is an educational approach that takes learning outdoors, encouraging children to explore, discover, and learn in a woodland or natural environment. Rooted in Scandinavian education philosophies, particularly from Denmark and Sweden, Forest School was introduced to the UK in the 1990s. Since then, it has been adopted by nurseries, primary schools, and early years settings as a powerful way to support children’s development holistically. We are pleased to be able to bring Forest School sessions to St. John’s in September.
Forest School sessions are typically led by trained practitioners and are designed to be child-centred, play-based, and exploratory. The key principles include regular and repeated access to a woodland or outdoor space, a high ratio of adults to children, and the use of natural resources rather than pre-made toys or materials.
Key Benefits for Early Years Children
Forest School offers a wide range of benefits for children in their early years (typically ages 2–5), supporting physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in unique and valuable ways.
1. Physical Development
Outdoor environments provide children with endless opportunities to move, climb, balance, and build. Whether it’s navigating uneven terrain, jumping over logs, or building dens with sticks, children naturally develop their gross and fine motor skills. These activities help build coordination, strength, and resilience—important foundations for overall physical health and later academic learning such as writing.
2. Emotional Wellbeing and Confidence
Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety in children. Forest School fosters emotional resilience by allowing children to take supported risks in a safe environment. When a child learns how to light a small fire safely or climbs a tree for the first time, their sense of achievement and confidence soars. Forest School encourages children to take ownership of their actions and decisions, which nurtures self-esteem.
3. Social Skills and Teamwork
Children often work together during Forest School activities—whether it’s building a shelter, solving a problem, or creating nature art. These collaborative tasks encourage communication, negotiation, and teamwork. With fewer structured rules than a typical classroom setting, children learn to manage social dynamics in a more natural, fluid way, developing empathy and cooperation skills.
4. Creativity and Imagination
Without the usual classroom toys or materials, children in Forest School settings use natural objects—sticks, leaves, stones, and mud—to fuel their creativity. A stick can become a magic wand, a pirate sword, or part of a dragon’s nest. This kind of imaginative play supports cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking, key skills for lifelong learning.
5. Connection to Nature and Sustainability
Early exposure to the natural world helps children develop a lifelong respect for the environment. Forest School instils a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature, encouraging children to ask questions about the world around them. This connection is crucial in fostering environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviours later in life.
6. Independence and Problem-Solving
Because Forest School is less structured than traditional learning environments, children are encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and solve problems on their own or with peers. This autonomy supports the development of critical thinking and resilience—skills that serve children well beyond the early years.
Conclusion
Forest School is much more than just “playing outside.” It’s a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to learning that supports the development of the whole child. By engaging with the natural world, children in the early years gain confidence, develop important life skills, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.
As our world becomes increasingly fast-paced and digitally driven, the opportunity for children to slow down, explore, and connect with nature is more valuable than ever. Forest School provides just that—a safe, enriching, and inspiring environment where young children can truly thrive.
