‘Forest Schools’ at Wyvern
As part of Wyvern’s commitment to providing an exciting, inspiring and individualised curriculum, we offer a programme of outdoor-based sessions. The benefits are many and varied and include:
- promotion of self-esteem, creativity, confidence, motivation, concentration and independence
- providing a context to develop social skills, language and communication
- child-centred, supporting the development of exploration and play
- supporting mental health and wellbeing by connecting pupils to the outside environment and developing an appreciation for the natural world
- and very importantly just having fun!
In particular, children are encouraged to:
- develop awareness of the natural environment and have an opportunity to develop a natural curiosity to safely explore the world around them.
- make real choices and grow in confidence through support from their peers and supporting adults. Making mistakes is important as this often helps the learning experience. Children often correct problems when given time. Adults will support children to overcome challenges and learn new skills, building emotional resilience, reduce stress and have a positive impact on their self-belief and mental health.
- be creative, inventive and follow their own ideas. Take risks and where appropriate, involving children in risk assessments of the environment and equipment they are using, helps develop a sense of awareness e.g. if it has rained recently we might ask children what they think the rain may have done to the woods (made puddles, slippery logs and roots, water on tarpaulins, etc.)
Sessions are planned following a referral from a pupil’s classteacher who provides reasons along with desired impact and outcomes. Accompanying staff are briefed on how to support and extend children’s learning and individualised outcomes can include:
- helping with transitions from one activity to another
- promoting independent living skills such as self-dressing, hand-washing
- using senses to explore a new environment
- tolerate sharing – equipment or space
- learning new vocabulary in pupil’s preferred mode of communication
- specific subject-based outcomes such as counting, reading, scientific
Tracy Matthews-Belcher
