Forest School sessions branch out

Staff at Hodnet Primary School are hoping to set up a Forest School

Children could increase their self-esteem and confidence thanks to an outdoor approach to teaching pioneered in Shropshire.

Based on a Scandinavian idea, Forest School takes children away from their classroom and into a specially designed outdoor woodland site.

It also aims to encourage a greater appreciation of the environment.

Shropshire Council has now trained over 200 people throughout the county to lead Forest School sessions.

It develops their independence, builds their confidence... they're really intrinsically motivated by what they're doing out here Laura Perry, Woodfield Infant School

Shropshire was one of three areas involved in the original Forest School pilot study in 2002. Experiences here have informed the rapid spread of Forest School across the UK.

Shropshire Council: Forest School

A report by Forest Research and the New Economics Foundation, focussing on children aged 3-9, identified 'a number of specific features and benefits of Forest School that illustrate why it is unique and important'.

The study revealed that children demonstrated improved social skills, they were more motivated and showed increased levels of concentration, as well as 'more sophisticated uses of both written and spoken language'.

Forest School has been designed to link in with the national curriculum for children and young people aged 3-18.

Laura Perry believes the scheme can improve children's confidence

Laura Perry, a reception class teacher at Woodfield Infant School in Shrewsbury, believes any lesson can be adapted to fit the scheme.

Miss Perry believed Forest School can have a positive impact on children's lives: "It develops their independence, builds their confidence... they're really intrinsically motivated by what they're doing out here, and that learning they carry on and develop in the classroom."

Emma Baylis is the Class 1 and 2 teacher at Hodnet Primary School in Market Drayton. She is hoping to set up a Forest School on site, but could do with some help: "It's a project that comes with quite a great deal of baggage actually... that's why we've asked for donations."

They are looking for anything from wellies, and waterproof trousers to tools like secateurs and potato peelers for whittling. They also need logs and equipment for the site itself. If you can help, contact Hodnet Primary School.