Forest School

We are excited offer welcome Forest School at Hilden Oaks. Kay Fassnidge, our Forest School leader, is a primary school teacher with over 20 years experience and over 5 years working as a Level 3 Forest School Leader.

Young boy wearing a white polo shirt with a seahorse emblem and red pants, with a branch and a wooden bead on his head, sitting outdoors on a blanket, playing with string. In the background, another child in a red coat and green boots is visible, with trees and a wicker basket nearby.

The ethos of Forest School is a holistic way of learning for children of all ages and is increasingly recognised and supported as a valid tool to support the development of children and young people.

A young girl with curly blonde hair, wearing a gray hoodie with red accents and blue pants, is outdoors, leaning over a fallen tree trunk, with a green apple balanced on the trunk in front of her. She is looking at the apple with curiosity.

Our pupils say…

  • "I love being outside and exploring!"

  • "Kay makes it really fun!"

  • "I was the first person ever to see inside that conker!"

  • "When I pull on my wellies I know I'm going to have a good time!"

  • "Learning how to build a fire in the kelly kettle was really exciting!"

Woman demonstrating a traditional rocket stove to children outdoors

Forest School develops:

  • Physical development and social and emotional development

  • Well-being

  • Self-esteem and confidence

  • Emotional intelligence

  • Resilience

  • Creativity and independent learning

  • Respect for nature

Session Activities may include:

  • Fire lighting and safety skills

  • Den and shelter building

  • Tool use (e.g. whittling with peelers or small knives)

  • Nature-based crafts and seasonal activities

  • Mindful nature connection

Forest School connects our pupils to nature and helps them become Kind, Brave & Brilliant future focussed young people!