‘Forest School’ is a progressive educational approach inspired by the Scandinavian ‘open air life’ ethos which, since 1993, has promoted a play-based model of learning outdoors. We whole-heartedly support this encouragement of an active and healthy outdoors lifestyle in children.
The exploratory approach of ‘Forest School’ very much informs how we work with the children on-site, too. Research shows that a regular appreciation of nature helps children develop socially, emotionally, physically and linguistically. Given our central London location, we are especially keen to instil a sense of wonder and curiosity in the natural world.
Under the leadership of our two Forest School co-ordinators, ‘Kinder’ children (in the company of their ‘key person’ and parents) have the opportunity to make a number of visits to the Calthorpe Project community gardens, a short walk from the Thomas Coram Centre, on Gray’s Inn road. Getting to the community gardens is an adventure in itself.
Once there, the children are encouraged to see the extraordinary in the everyday: to notice colours, shapes and patterns in trees, flowers and vegetables, to become more aware of the weather, and to think about the influence of the seasons on living things.
For further information about the FSA (external link), click here.
To view ‘Physical Activity for Early Years’ infographic, click here.
