The Long-Term Principle

Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.

The Criteria:

• Forest School takes place regularly, ideally at least every other week, with the same group of learners, over an extended period of time, if practicable encompassing the seasons.
• A Forest School programme has a structure which is based on the observations and collaborative work between learners and practitioners. This structure should clearly demonstrate progression of learning.
• The initial sessions of any programme establish physical and behavioural boundaries as well as making initial observations on which to base future programme development.

In Practice: 

Forest School sessions are each a minimum of 2 hours in duration (except where participants have severe and complex additional needs).

Forest School programmes are run for the same core group of participants and, as a minimum, are either:

• For 24 consecutive weeks (the equivalent of two full school terms) in 1 year, covering 2 seasons, OR
• For 12 consecutive weeks in each year over 2 years, covering 2 seasons, OR
• With classes of over 15 students, fortnightly provision across the whole academic year

In sessions, leaders note key observations for individuals.  The leaders then offer opportunities for learners based on these interests and motivations.