Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
The Criteria:
• Where appropriate, the Forest School leader will aim to link experiences at Forest School to home, work and /or school education
• Forest School programmes aim to develop, where appropriate, the physical, social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional and spiritual aspects of the learner.
In Practice:
Forest School Leaders meet participants where they are and ensure that participant’s choice underpins the opportunities offered throughout sessions.
Forest School Leaders recognise that behaviour is communication. Leaders create and maintain a Forest School Handbook that sets out how they approach behaviours that may challenge.
Forest School Leaders plan sessions that offer mixed opportunities for participants to develop their physical, social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional and spiritual selves (for example, through a mix of opportunities that might include climbing/balancing, circles, reflection, nature connection, team tasks/games, problem solving, creative endeavours), and take risks (emotional, social, physical).