What is a Forest School in Early Years?
“The best classroom is roofed only by the sky.”
– Margaret McMillan (1919)
Exploring and Discovering Outdoors
Forest School is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. It offers children regular opportunities to explore and learn in a natural woodland environment, fostering curiosity, confidence, and independence through child-led hands-on experiences.
At Forest School, children might:
- Scoop mud into buckets and transport it across the site
- Mix natural materials with sticks and water
- Watch tiny creatures in the soil
- Climb trees, swing on ropes, or build dens to hide in
The forest becomes a rich learning space where children follow their own interests through unstructured play. Repeated exposure allows them to return to their discoveries, test ideas, and build deeper understanding at their own pace
Forest School at Turville
At Turville, we are lucky to have our own on-site meadow, where Forest School sessions are led by a qualified Forest School Leader. Sessions take place within safe, well-defined boundaries but offer plenty of freedom for child-initiated learning.
Our children love the outdoors. Whether it’s getting mucky, hunting for minibeasts, or crafting with natural resources, they’re developing essential life skills while having fun.
- Problem-solving and creativity
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Respect for nature and wildlife
- Physical development and resilience
- A sense of joy, adventure, and well-being
Children attend Forest School sessions regularly, allowing them to build familiarity and confidence over time. The focus is on exploration, discovery, laughter and have lots of fun!
