Sharp Lane Primary School

Forest School

At Sharp Lane Primary School, our Forest School provision is a vital part of the way we nurture confident, resilient and curious learners. We believe that meaningful outdoor learning offers every child the chance to explore, take risks, and develop a deep connection with the natural world. Across the school, from Year 1 to Year 6, our Forest School curriculum is carefully designed to help children understand seasonal change, build practical skills, and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment.

Through hands-on experiences such as shelter building, wildlife surveying, tool use and fire safety, children learn to work collaboratively, solve problems creatively and show perseverance. These activities strengthen communication, independence and emotional wellbeing—qualities that support success across all areas of school life. Our progression from simple sensory exploration in Key Stage 1 to leadership and advanced skills in Year 6 ensures that every child grows in confidence and capability.

At Sharp Lane, we recognise that outdoor learning is not an add-on, but an essential way to inspire children, enrich the curriculum and promote lifelong respect for the natural world. Forest School gives our pupils the space to thrive, reflect, and learn in ways that are meaningful, memorable and empowering.

Intent

At Sharp Lane, Forest School nurtures curiosity, confidence and connection with the natural world. Rooted in our school values of Aspire, Discovery, Belief and Commitment, we aim to develop children who are resilient, reflective and respectful learners. Forest School provides rich, hands-on experiences that inspire pupils to aspire to be independent explorers, driven by a spirit of discovery and a belief in their own abilities. Through sustained engagement outdoors, children learn to persevere and show commitment in all that they do.

As Sir David Attenborough said, “No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
Forest School allows our pupils to experience the world first-hand  - to touch, build, question and wonder. In doing so, they develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and an understanding of their role in caring for it.

At Sharp Lane, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow holistically - physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually — through learning in nature. Our Forest School empowers children to take managed risks, collaborate meaningfully and connect their learning to the wider world around them.

Implementation

Forest School at Sharp Lane is delivered through a progressive, child-centred programme that builds year on year. It is closely aligned with the principles of the Forest School Association and our school’s wider curriculum.

Through Forest School sessions, pupils:

• Engage in hands-on, experiential learning in a natural environment.

• Build upon prior outdoor learning, developing independence, resilience and practical skills.

• Take part in activities such as tool use, shelter building, fire lighting, nature identification and creative expression.

• Develop social skills through teamwork, cooperation and problem-solving.

• Learn about sustainability and environmental stewardship, fostering respect for nature.

• Engage in cross-curricular links with Science, Geography, Art and PSHE.

• Reflect on their learning through discussion, journaling and self-assessment.

• Experience progressive levels of responsibility and challenge, appropriate to their age and ability.

Qualified Forest School leaders ensure that all activities are inclusive, safe and adapted to meet the needs of every child. Sessions are delivered regularly and consistently, allowing skills, confidence and connections to deepen over time.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Sharp Lane, they will:

• Have developed a deep connection with nature and an understanding of how to care for their environment.

• Aspire to explore, take initiative and embrace challenges confidently.

• Show belief in their own abilities through problem-solving and creative thinking.

• Demonstrate commitment to teamwork, resilience and sustained effort in outdoor learning.

• Possess a range of practical life skills, including tool use, shelter building and safe fire lighting.

• Exhibit strong social and emotional skills, including empathy, cooperation and self-regulation.

• Be reflective learners who can assess risks, make informed choices and value the process of discovery.

• Leave with a lasting sense of curiosity, wonder and respect for the natural world — qualities that will support their wellbeing and lifelong learning journey.

As the Forest School ethos reminds us:
“Forest School is not a place; it’s a process — a journey that helps children grow into who they are meant to be.”

Forest School Links

Forest School Association

The Woodland Trust

Useful Knots Scout Association