The Forest Kindergarten initiative started in Fife a few years ago. It was felt that some children were missing out on the kinds of experiences that we had as children – the freedom to play in woods, to take risks, to play together without adult interference. Forest Kindergarten allows children these experiences in a safe environment. The children travel by mini bus to Craighall Den or Hill of Tarvit for the whole of the morning or afternoon session. This has proved to be very popular and has many benefits for children.

Children will
• have the freedom to play in woods (FK)
• play cooperatively, share and take turns
• learn about taking care of themselves and keeping safe
• be able to take risks (FK)
• play imaginatively (FK)
• be able to run, jump, roll, climb, balance using slopes, branches, trees etc.(FK)
• learn about seasons
• learn about nature
• use their senses
• have the health benefits that come from being in the fresh air
• remember the rules
• become familiar with the local environment

Adult role – how do adults support children to develop these skills
• provide suitable out door clothing (FK)
• risk assess each trip
• organise transport, if required
• ensure adequate staff/child ratios
• obtain parental consent
• ensure medication for specific children is taken
• provide snack and a drink, if required
• become familiar with names of trees, flowers, bushes etc. and have identification charts and books available (FK)
Language development opportunities
• names of trees, bushes, birds, flowers etc (FK)
• discuss points of interest, safety, weather etc

Children’s responsibility
• have fun
• keep safe
• use senses
• keep within the boundaries
• always be able to see an adult and for an adult always to see them
• walk beside an adult or behind them
• berries and toadstools are for animals and birds (FK)
• sticks are for working (FK)
• obey the rules

Craighall Den
As part of our outdoor learning we have regular visits to places of interest in our area. We use this to discover new and interesting things about our environment, to see the changes in the seasons through the weather and the plants and to promote and extend our gross motor skills through a variety of activities and physical challenges. We are also able to personal risk assess, building our resilience and coping strategies. Outdoor learning also encompasses numeracy, language and aesthetic aspects of the curriculum.