“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

At Milldown CE Academy, our school vision is ‘Inspire – Believe - Achieve’ based on the following biblical quote: “I am the way, the truth, the life.” Through this, we will develop children that have an in-depth understanding of themselves and the world around them so they are empowered to make a positive difference to the world and not just join it. As part of this vision, we have decided to expand and enhance the breadth of our curriculum by incorporating a designated Forest School curriculum. It is our aim that this new learning outside the classroom will uphold the high standards and expectations that our school sets for its pupils and serve as a cornerstone to increasing their life skills and experiences throughout their primary school education. The core aims are:

• To build self-esteem and confidence in children.
• To build resilient, determined and independent learners.
• To develop children’s personal, social and emotional development.
• To encourage creativity as well as lifelong skills and knowledge.
• To encourage collaboration.
• To develop and build the ideas of risk management and risk benefit.
• To improve children’s life skills and experiences.
• To enable children to gain a respect for the natural environment and wildlife and have the knowledge to make a positive difference to the world around them.
• To transfer negative behaviours into positive ones.

Forest School is a child-led approach to learning that incorporates children’s right to play, to access the outdoor environment and to feel success.

Forest School is a unique way of building independence and self-esteem in young children, exposing them to the natural world at a time where it is vital for children to understand their impact on the environment.  It is a child-centred programme that provides the opportunity for the children to use their personal learning style to complete various activities.

Forest School is a chance for the children at Milldown to have new, creative experiences in the outdoor environment in a safe way.  Children will have opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems, negotiate with others and work as a team.

Through purposeful and careful planning of Forest School sessions, we strive to increase self-confidence, improve children’s concentration, attendance, behaviour and academic achievement. 

We aim to foster a love and respect for wildlife and the environment through stimulating natural learning experiences, inspiring children to value biodiversity, and developing a strong understanding of how to promote environmental sustainability.

Across the school from Year 1 to Year 6, the children will experience a minimum of six consecutive sessions in Forest School, in groups of no more than 15. In these sessions, they will immerse themselves in nature and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the flora, fauna and living things that surrounds them in their local environment. The Forest School space is utilised all year round, with sessions adapted to complement the ever-changing conditions, resources and challenges of the natural world through the seasons.  Our purpose build Forest School Building, with built-in wood-burning stove provides a warm space for children to enjoy the outdoors and nature in even the coldest months.

At Milldown, we put the children's needs at the heart of all our provision and Forest School only continues to enhance this ethos and our school vision and values.

Our Forest School promotes mindfulness, empathy and cultural diversity, ensuring everyone feels valued and that individuality is celebrated.

We are highly confident that Forest School provision will not only compliment and extend the curriculum, but also nurture children to become successful lifelong learners and happy, fulfilled adults who can make positive choices about their futures.

Forest School learning experiences create endless opportunities for cross-curricular links to Science, Mathematics, English, History, Geography, PE, RPE and Art.

Parents will need to consent, on Arbor, to their child's participation in our Forest School sessions, consent information can be found below. 

Consents

I agree to my child taking part in Milldown Forest School activities at regular intervals throughout the year.   

I understand my child will need to bring their outdoor clothing for wet, cold and warm weather (parents will be notified of a kit list before their child's Forest School sessions. 

I understand that my child will work in a group of 15 children and 2 adults at all times.

I have ensured that my child's medical details are up to date on Arbor.

If my child reacts to stings (wasps, bees, or neetles) I will let the school office know before my child participates in Forest School sessions. 

If you have a question or concern regarding any of the above consents please contact the school office (office@milldown.dsat.org.uk) before your child participates in Forest School sessions.