Abbeyfields Outdoor Education

At Abbeyfield’s, our Forest School is at the heart of our outdoor learning philosophy. We strive to instil a positive mind-set towards school through engaging and stimulating outdoor learning experiences that complement indoor learning and provide links to the National Curriculum and EYFS for an enhanced learning experience. It is an inspirational, child-centred approach that uses the natural environment to nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence. Through regular weekly sessions children learn through hands-on experiences that encourage exploration, independence and a love of nature.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is more than just outdoor play. It is a carefully planned educational approach where children learn practical skills, take supported risks and develop at their own pace. Every session is led by our Forest School team which includes a qualified Forest School practitioner and is designed to build resilience, problem-solving skills and teamwork in a safe and supportive environment.

Impact and Benfits

Forest School has a powerful impact on children’s development across personal,
emotional, social and physical areas.

Personal Growth
Builds confidence through achievable challenges
Encourages independence and responsibility
Boosts self-esteem through hands-on success

Emotional Wellbeing
Reduces stress and anxiety through time in nature
Supports emotional resilience and self-regulation
Promotes a sense of calm and wellbeing

Social Skills
Encourages teamwork and cooperation
Develops communication and listening skills
Builds respect and empathy for others

Physical Development
Strengthens gross motor skills through climbing, balancing and exploring
Improves fine motor skills through tool use and natural crafts
Promotes healthy, active lifestyles

What does a Forest School lesson look like?

Each session we provide follows a course of progressive skills, culminating in the awarding of Forest School Badges upon leaving Abbeyfields First School. The children develop outdoor skills in six key areas; natural fire lighting, shelter building, tool use, foraging and open fire cooking, tree, plant and animal identification, and gardening. 

Children arrive at Forest School and are briefed of the sessions learning objectives. We then get suited and booted in waterproofs and wellies (provided for by Forest School) and head off to the site. Sessions are around 3 hours long and always include a stop for either a hot chocolate to warm up or a chilled juice to cool down. Once the children have finished the session and are thoroughly muddy, we carry out a reflection to distill the key learning objectives and head back to school. 

Sessions are not just confined to school hours either. We host evening events such as bat walks, star gazing, river dipping, campfire cooking evenings, camping trips, share evenings and much, much more.