Forest School
Reflections Nursery operates a Forest School educational programme as an additional option for Reflections Nursery children aged 3-5 years. There is a modest additional charge for children attending Forest School sessions rather than nursery sessions. Only one Forest School session will be available to each child each week.
What is Forest School?
Forest School involves a group of suitably qualified adults taking a group of up to 12 children into a woodland area for a day or half day to enjoy educational, fun activities in the outdoors. Forest School offers an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. Originating in Denmark, the philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire children through positive outdoor experiences. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable activities in a woodland environment each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation and sound emotional & social skills.
Forest School has demonstrated success with children of all ages who visit the same local woodlands on a regular basis to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.
What do we do at Reflections?
Reflections Forest School programme runs from October to July for approximately 32 weeks in a suitable woodland area, in all weathers (except for high winds). Children learn to use tools, learn boundaries of behaviour - both physical and social - and grow in confidence, self-esteem and self motivation.
Initially the children explore the site, establishing physical and behavioural boundaries and discussing safety procedures, hygiene and routines. Once a group is established in the woodland and routines are set up the project develops through a child-led approach and we expect their work in the woodland to develop into long-term projects in the nursery indoors.
Keeping children safe
It is essential that children's basic needs are met before any higher learning can take place, so we ensure that the correct clothing is provided and that food, including healthy snacks and meals are available along with water and hot drinks. We ensure that children feel safe both physically and emotionally.
For background information, please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_kindergarten