A summaryThis listing is for school leaders who would like to book a taster session for a group of children (up to 30) to experience forest school with Be Free, in your own school grounds, followed by a meeting about how a programme of Forest School would work for you in your setting.
Be Free are looking for schools in Hertfordshire who share our vision of children who will become independent, resilient, adaptive and grounded in an appreciation for nature. Our programmes are bespoke and and allow risk taking adventure (guided by experienced practitioners), team building experiences and environmental education, which develop the whole child. If this is also your vision, as a school leader, then buy a ticket today and let us show you what we can do!
This is a limited time offer to try Forest School for size in your own school grounds, with your own children. An opportunity to see how, where and why it works wonders for the school community and children who need the find the spark in their love for learning.
The session will include an introduction to Forest School through a combination of slowing down exercises and activities, focusing our attention and intention, with a few physical and adventurous tasks too. Part of the session is adult initiated, whilst about 30 minutes will invite children to choose from invitations to learn and play. Tasks are carefully chosen for the children’s age group to be achievable, but ‘optimally challenging’ to build resilience and a sense of pride. We always conclude with a reflection, a way of becoming mindful and intentional about our learning, in many forms.
Timings:
10-11:45 students come outside to the natural space (school field/meadow/wild area on your grounds) with teacher and TA, meet Forest School leaders. Leaders will deliver a 1hour 45min session, giving instructions to the adults to assist/maintain safety.
11:45 - 12:30 Jude, Director of Be Free Forest School meets with headteacher (and or SLT) to discuss your goals and SDP, and how a Forest School programme would enhance wellbeing and learning for your setting.
We have worked weekly with students at Andrews Lane Primary School for three consecutive years, this is what the Assistant Head about us in July 2022:
A collaboration with Be Free has enabled us a as school to not only develop our children’s wellbeing and multi-sensory experiences but has also proved that it can help improve concentration and the motivation to learn.
Forest School has no boundaries and has enabled children with behaviour or additional needs to gain more independence and self-confidence, reduce anxiety, build resilience, and improve their communication skills.
Forest school is also creating an ethos in school and with our families of how important it is that children who are physically active a lot of the time, have improved stamina. Their experiences we hope will also lead to the development of healthier lifestyles and well as encourage parents to go on trips to woodlands and green spaces outside of school.
Since starting forest school with Be Free Forest School, we have always involved parents in giving feedback about the impact forest school had on their child. This feedback has always been positive with many requests to continue the provision. We were able to deliver some forest school sessions to children and their parents in the summer term and all sessions were at full capacity due to the enthusiasm of parents. The sessions gave parents a chance to see how forest school is taught as well as give them a chance to try out some activities with their child. Reflection time at the end of the session brought back memories of some parents’ own childhood where they had frequent contact with the natural world around them.
Future planning is that we can continue to work with Be Free Forest School and continue to develop the forest school approach and ethos into the future lives of our children.
