Forest School is delivered by trained Forest School Leaders in carefully managed woodland settings.
Some Forest School Leaders work independently, running Forest School programmes for a variety of schools, community groups and individuals. Some of these FS Leaders are organised into FS Associations or not for profit companies. Some Forest Schools are attached to specific sites such as country parks and community woodlands.
Some groups, including schools, youth and community groups deliver Forest School in–house using their own trained staff and local site. In addition to sharing good practice, these groups may set up In-Service Agreements allowing the sharing of Leaders between groups.
You can access Forest School for your group by buying in independent Forest School Leaders and/or by training your own staff. In either case, a good first step is to make contact with other Forest School Practitioners in your area.
Becoming a member of FSW will help you to access Forest School by providing advice and information on regional networks, local FS sites, setting up a FS, and by putting you in contact with other practitioners working in your locality or with your client group.
FSW recommends that to be most effective, a Forest School should have the following elements:
Staff and Site
- Trained staff and volunteers
- A high adult to child ratio
- A local woodland, or some other natural setting with trees, encouraging links with the local community
Policy and Procedure
- An up to date Handbook including: health & safety, child protection and environment policies and risk assessments
- An element of review and evaluation of participants’ development
- Commitment to external reviews and sharing of good practice with other Forest Schools
Framework
- Take place over an extended period, with repeat visits and the same leaders
- Be based around small achievable tasks
- Take place within a structured framework
- Take place in a framework in which we encourage children to play as they choose, knowing that through their play they are learning, growing, challenging and sometimes just being
Flexibility
- Be flexible and user-led
- Support individual learning
Values
- Focus on building self-esteem and self-confidence
- Encourage co-operation
- Raise awareness of the environment
- Have a responsible and proactive approach towards the sustainability of the woodlands
- Be open to all
- Encourage learning
- Be fun
FSW recommends that all organisations purchasing Forest School programmes should ensure that they have seen up to date documentation of the following:
- OCN/ BTEC Forest School Leader/Practitioner Award at Level 3
- Current and enhanced CRB disclosure
- Valid First Aid certificate
- Valid Insurance certificates ~ Public Liability for staff and site
- Staff Handbook which should include up to date copies of:
- Risk Assessments for site, activities and staff
- Health & Safety Policy and Emergency Procedures
- Child Protection Policy & Procedures
- Woodland Management Plan for site
- Procedure for evaluation of participants’ learning and personal development
Where there is a choice of local providers, prospective clients may also want to see:
- additional professional qualifications and training
- list of previous client groups and projects
- recommendations and feedback from previous participants
