Forest School - 2026/27
Outdoor Learning at Shepherdswell Primary School
We are very proud of our outdoor learning provision at Shepherdswell Primary School. Our dedicated Outdoor Learning Centre, together with our extensive school grounds, provides rich opportunities to enhance and support learning across the curriculum.
Outdoor learning actively promotes our school values and underpins our key learner characteristics: Wellbeing Warrior, Lifelong Learner, and Courageous Adventurer.
Our Outdoor Learning Centre
Our Outdoor Learning Centre is an inclusive space designed to support wellbeing, curiosity, and hands-on learning. It is used by all children throughout the school day.
Features include:
- A sensory pathway to promote wellbeing, regulation, and exploration
- A bird hide that can be used for nature study or as an outdoor classroom
- A range of shelters and quiet spaces for reflection, learning, and small group work
- An outdoor stage area for poetry, drama practice, and spontaneous performances
Sensory Garden
Our sensory garden was created and planted by the children. It includes a variety of herbs and plants that are explored through learning and used in cooking activities. The garden provides a calm, safe space where children can relax, reflect, and take responsibility for caring for their environment.
Learning Through Play and Exploration
We provide a wide range of large loose-parts resources that encourage:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Physical and motor skill development
- Creative and imaginative play
- Problem-solving and resilience
These experiences help children grow as Wellbeing Warriors, develop as Lifelong Learners, and build confidence as Courageous Adventurers.
Supporting OPAL Play
Our Outdoor Learning Centre also supports our OPAL approach to play. Children have access to the space not only during planned learning sessions, but also during dedicated playtimes.
Outdoor learning is a key part of life at Shepherdswell Primary School, helping children develop confidence, independence, wellbeing, and a strong connection with the natural world.
Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
Our Forest School provision is rooted in the belief that all children should have access to inspirational, experiential learning within a natural environment. As defined by the Forest School Association (2015), Forest School “offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment.” This forms the foundation of our intent: to provide every child with meaningful opportunities to grow personally, socially and academically through purposeful engagement with the outdoors.
Drawing on principles originating from Scandinavian practice, Forest School aims to support holistic development—social, emotional, physical and spiritual—through play and exploration that responds to each learner’s individual needs and preferred learning styles. Our intent is to create an environment where children are encouraged to collaborate, problem-solve, and develop independence while forming positive relationships with the natural world.
Central to our approach is the recognition that managed risk plays an essential role in children’s development. As Knight (2011) notes, “Learning to manage risk and adventure has important cognitive benefits… developing personality traits such as team working skills, motivation, concentration and perseverance.” Therefore, our intent is to allow children to encounter appropriate challenges within a safe, well-supported environment, empowering them to build resilience, confidence and self-belief.
To ensure this, we commit to:
- Providing regular, progressive outdoor learning sessions that nurture curiosity, creativity and exploration.
- Using detailed risk–benefit assessments to ensure that activities are both safe and developmentally valuable.
- Maintaining high adult–child ratios to support effective communication, modelling and individualised guidance.
- Creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every learner can succeed regardless of need or ability.
Through these intentions, our Forest School provision aims to enrich children’s educational experiences, promote holistic development, and foster a lifelong connection with nature
Implementation
The Forest School programme is delivered through regular, planned outdoor learning sessions led by a trained Forest School practitioner. Sessions typically run weekly and follow a progressive structure that allows children to develop confidence, independence and practical skills over time.
The implementation includes:
- Consistent, small-group sessions to create psychological safety and opportunities for focused adult support.
- Child-led activities, where pupils choose tasks that interest them—such as shelter building, tool use, fire lighting, nature exploration and creative tasks with natural materials.
- Individualised scaffolding, with adults modelling skills, breaking tasks down, and providing visual, verbal or physical supports where needed.
- Opportunities for risk-taking in a controlled environment, enabling children to learn to assess challenges, manage risk and build resilience.
- Structured social interaction, including collaborative tasks, problem-solving challenges and communication-rich activities that support social development.
- Sensory regulation opportunities, for example through physical movement, tactile exploration, natural sounds, and calm outdoor environments.
- Reflection and review, where children discuss what they enjoyed, what they found challenging and what they achieved, helping them build metacognition and self-esteem.
This structured implementation allows skills to be practised repeatedly over time, ensuring progression and secure learning.
Impact
Forest School has a sustained and measurable positive impact on pupils’ personal, social, emotional and physical development. Reported outcomes typically include:
1. Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem
Children develop a strong sense of achievement through hands-on, practical tasks and the opportunity to take ownership of their learning. This often leads to:
- increased willingness to attempt new tasks
- greater independence
- improved problem-solving skills
2. Enhanced Social and Communication Skills
Collaborative tasks support:
- turn-taking, teamwork and negotiation
- expressive and receptive language development
- improved interaction with peers and adults
This is particularly beneficial for children who struggle in classroom settings or have communication/SEN needs.
3. Better Emotional Regulation and Well-Being
The sensory-rich outdoor environment provides natural calming and grounding experiences. Children often show:
- reduced anxiety
- improved ability to regulate emotions
- greater resilience and persistence
4. Strengthened Physical Development
Regular movement and practical tasks support both gross and fine motor skills, including balance, coordination, grip strength and hand–eye coordination.
5. Transferable Learning Skills
Children frequently generalise skills gained outdoors into the classroom, including:
- improved focus and attention
- greater perseverance with challenging tasks
- more positive attitudes towards learning
6. Inclusion and Engagement
Forest School offers an environment where children with diverse needs can thrive. The flexible structure allows each pupil to engage at their own pace, improving attendance, motivation and sense of belonging
