This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Forest School
in Talkback
Based just outside Whitstable we have been given the go ahead to create a Forest School. Help and advice would be useful. So would any feedback from local people and schools. In addition I want to create a growing area for schools to come in and grow their own food
0
Posts
Dane, get some books and/or local expertise, use the internet too. Don't rely on this place for help.
Hi Dane
I've never come across 'Forest School', can you explain
In the sticks near Peterborough
Hi Dane, like Nutcutlet I haven't heard of this type of school before and would like to know more. Thanks.
Hi Dane, I used to work for the Wildlife Trust and I know that they train Forest School Leaders and also run Forest Schools on their sites and in the local community. They are a good source of help and advice. I believe that some councils also have Forest Schools leaders so that might also be useful. It might also be useful trying to work with local businesses. They might be willing to help fund the project if their staff can volunteer as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
Hi Dane, Unfortunately I have no advice to offer only encouragement.
My son went to a Forest school in the UK, from nursery age, and we were amazed at the things they did. He absolutely loved it, has given him a great foundation, a great respect and enjoyment of nature and he is so knowledgeable too. Certainly promoted independence and natural enquiry.
Good luck with your project, super idea.
I'm Forest School trained and you should have had the course if you are claiming to teach it in your school the proper training costs about £3000! If none of you have trained as a Forest School leader then what you are doing is 'outside learning'. It strikes me you wouldn't be asking if you'd had the training. As part of the course you have to do an outdoor first aid course in case anyone gets impaled on a piece of wood, breaks a limb, and can recognise the signs of hypothermia, tick bites, poisoning etc. I get quite annoyed when people say they are teaching Forest School when I spent a year doing what is the equivalent of an NVQ.
We have Forest Schools in Norfolk - lots of info here plus links to the national association http://www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/Teaching-and-learning/Environmental-and-outdoor-learning/Forest-school/index.htm
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I agree with Mrs G, I have a level 3 forest schools qualification and it cost me a fortune to get!!
you cannot advertise it as a forest school if no one has the forest school qualification, if you don't have the relevant qualification its called outdoor education or environmental education.
Dane, has said that they have been given the go ahead to create a forest school. Some of your comments are accusing him/her of false advertising, can you try and be a little bit friendlier please