Welcome to Beresford Forest School
In 2002 the Forest School Network defined Forest School as ‘An inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self- esteem through hands on learning experiences in a local woodland’.
Our vision and values are interwoven through our Forest School provision at Beresford Memorial First School, where we increase the experiences and opportunities available to our pupils, to enable all children to flourish. We focus on our curriculum essentials and provide opportunities for further enriching and personalising our curriculum. Importance is placed on provoking enquiry by using the outdoors and the Forest School ethos to inspire, enable ideas, develop spirituality and encourage intrinsic motivation.
At Beresford Memorial First School we fully recognise the importance of well-being in our children and that this enables them to become effective learners. By providing Forest School it is our aim that all pupils have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the natural environment, take responsibility for their learning and develop their skills in communication, respect, risk taking and trust.
What is Forest School?
Forest School at Beresford Memorial provides all pupils the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences. It also allows staff to observe the children in order to then encourage and inspire individuals to achieve through careful scaffolding and facilitating. Forest School provides pupils with the opportunity to explore their local environment throughout the different seasons and to develop an understanding of how they can take responsibility for preserving the natural world that they live in.
We support the six principles of Forest School and we use these to underpin our planning and provision of Forest School at Beresford Memorial First School.
Principle 1:
Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a wood- land or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
Principle 2:
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Principle 3:
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Principle 4:
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Principle 5:
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Principle 6:
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
