Forest School
Exciting News!
Roehampton Church School is going to become an accredited Forest School!!!!
From September 2024, RCS will be an accredited Forest School. Although accreditation will take 3 years to get, all the children will start to take part in Forest School sessions from September 2024. All staff took part in Level 1 training on 15th April 2024 and staff will continue their training journey over the next few months. All the staff are very excited about this great opportunity for all of our children and parents/carers. If you would like more information, please call the office on 020 8788 8650.
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What is Forest School?
The Forest School approach began in Scandinavia in the 1980’s. In 1993, a group of nursery nurses and lecturers observed the benefits and developed the school-based programme in the UK, which has become a very successful and valuable way of learning for all ages, not just in Early Years. Forest School is run by trained staff in their own grounds or local woodlands. The Forest School approach has taken on its own unique flavour here in the UK which is now being adopted elsewhere in the world. The Forest School approach supports the development of children's self-esteem and confidence through practical experiences, putting the child at the centre of their learning.
The Six Principles of Forest School
Forest School at RCS
In Forest School at Roehampton Church School, we provide a fully inclusive and engaging forest school experience, with exciting outdoor learning opportunities. Carefully planned by our Level 3 trained Forest School staff, sessions develop and compliment our curriculum.
Our Forest School makes the most of our hands-on approach, encouraging our children to make decisions, work as a team, and to take risks, with certain boundaries. Along with our curriculum, values and ethos, the principles of the Forest School extend children's resilience, social development, self-esteem, confidence and self-reliance, through creative engagement with the natural world.
We run Forest School sessions on our ever evolving site, which can be found on Putney Heath, next to our school. Each year group has the opportunity to attend Forest School sessions on a weekly basis, allowing our children to flourish through our passion for exploring the natural world and outdoor learning.
Staying Healthy on the Heath
When the temperature drops or the weather turns wet, it is important to make sure that you provide your child/ren with the correct clothing for Forest School sessions. Unlike going for a family walk, at Forest School, we do not always move around all the time. The best way to stay warm is to make sure your child wears layers. We will always make sure that the children are given time to get dressed in their appropriate clothing.
For further information on wearing layers please click here.