Forest School at Yorkley

At Yorkley, we believe that some of the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom walls. We are incredibly proud to offer regular Forest School sessions for every child through our much-loved Forest School programme.

Set within our beautiful woodland surroundings, Forest School provides children with the opportunity to explore, discover and learn in a natural environment. These experiences enrich the curriculum while helping children develop important life skills such as resilience, confidence, independence and teamwork.

We value the positive impact that outdoor learning has on children's wellbeing, creativity and personal growth. Whenever possible, we use our setting to make meaningful links to classroom learning, bringing lessons to life through first-hand experiences in nature.

Why Forest School?

Forest School is much more than outdoor education. It provides children with opportunities to challenge themselves, develop a love of learning and build skills that will support them throughout their lives.

Key Features of Forest School

  • Learning in a woodland environment
    Carefully established routines and boundaries create a safe space where children can explore, investigate and follow their own interests in a supportive, low-risk setting.

  • High levels of adult support
    A strong adult-to-child ratio enables children to take on new challenges, build confidence and develop independence while feeling safe and encouraged.

  • Links to the curriculum and beyond
    Forest School complements classroom learning by providing exciting, hands-on opportunities to achieve curriculum objectives in a different and engaging context.

  • Exploration through all the senses
    Children are encouraged to touch, listen, observe, create and discover, helping to nurture imagination, curiosity and creative thinking.

  • Regular and meaningful experiences
    Weekly sessions allow children to build skills over time, develop deeper connections with nature and gain lasting benefits from outdoor learning.

Impact of Forest School

The benefits of Forest School reach far beyond the curriculum and contribute to children's overall development.

  • Building Confidence

Children develop self-belief and resilience as they are given the freedom, time and space to try new things, solve problems and become more independent.

  • Developing Social Skills

Working together outdoors helps children learn to cooperate, communicate effectively and understand the impact of their actions on others.

  • Strengthening Communication

Rich sensory experiences inspire discussion, storytelling and reflection, supporting the development of both spoken and written language.

  • Improving Motivation and Concentration

Children are highly engaged in practical, hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, perseverance and sustained focus.

  • Enhancing Physical Development

From climbing and balancing to building and creating, Forest School helps develop physical coordination, stamina, gross motor skills and fine motor control.

  • Encouraging Environmental Awareness

Children gain a deeper understanding of and respect for the natural world, learning to identify plants, animals and seasonal changes in their local environment.

  • Celebrating Individual Strengths

Forest School allows staff to see children in a different context, often revealing new talents, interests and learning styles that may not emerge in the classroom.

  • Creating Lasting Memories and Lifelong Interests

The excitement of Forest School often extends beyond the school day, inspiring children and their families to spend more time outdoors and explore nature together.