FOREST KINDERGARTEN

We are extending the children’s learning opportunities by visits to the local woodland areas to experience learning in a natural environment through the changing seasons, animals, insects and reptiles to name but a few!

What is Forest Kindergarten?
Forest Kindergarten is a way of learning. It is held outside, in the same woodland/forest each time and is able to provide relevant experiences and learning for all children, whatever their ages or stages of development. It occurs regularly all the year round, giving children a sense of the changes the seasons have on the environment and the animals within in. It takes place in all sorts of weather, is multi-sensory and facilitates progression of learning, “In, through and about” the environment and includes all aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Forest Kindergarten is child centred, nurturing and also fosters a sense of community. There is a higher ratio of adults to children when we are on our visits but we are risk aware, not risk averse, appreciating that challenging and enjoyable experiences are vital for healthy development and lifelong learning skills.

There is a variety of learning experiences, covering all parts of the curriculum – literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing, science, technology, social sciences, religious/ moral/values/attitudes, expressive arts (art, drama, dance and music). It’s so much fun learning at Forest Kindergarten!

Where is our Forest Kindergarten at Westfield Nursery?
Forest Kindergarten takes place at the wooded area next to Wetlands playing field on Westfield Road. We have identified areas that enable a variety of rich learning experiences and opportunities for exploration and challenge. Health and Safety is of paramount importance and the area is thoroughly risk assessed – both by the staff and thereafter by the children themselves. We keep a record of the children’s risk assessments encouraging their involvement, engagement, learning and responsibility.
However, this in no way takes away from the adult’s facilitation and duty of care for the children.

What do we do at Forest Kindergarten?
We discuss physical boundaries – where the children think is appropriate to explore and what areas if any we should avoid and why. Depending on the children’s interests there may be shelter/den building, art/creativity, fire /cooking, using tools, exploring the site, collecting/ sorting/measuring eg sticks, observations/recording, stories, singing, dancing, games etc. We enjoy having our snack, which is provided by the nursery, together under the trees.

Clothing
Waterproof clothing is provided by nursery if required but it is advisable that you ensure your child is well equipped for the weather. If you need a set of waterproofs, please ask to borrow these the night before our Forest visit, so your child is prepared when they join us.
Wet – waterproofs and wellies
Cold – warm, thermal, insulated – both clothes, socks, hats and footwear. This is very important, as wellies are not warm enough in cold temperatures.
Sunny/hot – sun protection – sun hats and sunscreen
Our hope is that the children also learn to take responsibility for their own weather gear and would ask that you encourage them to engage in this process. It is a life skill which will go forwards with them. We want to encourage responsible and independent young people as part of Developing the Young Workforce, who know what their needs are. Of course, for early years this is always held under the nurture, care and guidance of the adults – whether parent/carer or nursery staff.

Hygiene
We use antibacterial wipes whilst at the woods and thoroughly wash our hands on returning to nursery.
There is a toileting area sectioned off when we arrive as well as tissues and a spade.

Tidy Up
We encourage responsibility, care and respect for the environment and therefore we all tidy up the site to make sure that we leave it as we find it. We leave no trace of our being there (apart from a bit of transient art!)

Weather and its impact on Forest Kindergarten
Forest Kindergarten will happen during all kinds of weather – wet, damp, frosty, snowy, cold, hot, warm, misty … however, it will not take place if;

• The wind is dangerously high
• The rain is torrential
• There are blizzards of snow and ice
• The roads are not passable

Forest Kindergarten will take place if there is snow cover, but only if it is safe to get there and back.

How often do we do Forest Kindergarten?
Forest Kindergarten sessions will be held weekly each term except for the beginning and end weeks of a term. We will endeavour to advise you on Seesaw if we are cancelling at short notice.

What skills do we learn?

Communication skills :
* Listening to others and following instructions
* Asking questions,
* Explaining their own thinking
* Discussing and engaging in conversations
* Learn new vocabulary regarding the woods
* Numeracy—length of sticks, size of leaves etc.
* Giving good eye contact

Working with others:
* Sharing thoughts, ideas and opinions
* Taking turns
* Playing co-operatively
* Making decisions
* Showing respect for others
* Sharing resources and space
* Using ideas from others

Leadership:
* Leading own learning and talking about what they have learned
* Showing confidence
* Talking about learning and next steps

Self management:
* Managing their feelings and emotions
* Engaging in prolonged periods of play
* Managing their feelings and emotions
* Keeping trying so building resilience
* Learning from successes and mistakes
* Developing Independence
* Asking for help when needed
* Following rules and routines
* Having a positive attitude to learning
* Making sensible choices
* Taking ownership of their learning
* Developing physical skills
* Becoming risk aware both for themselves and their peers
* Coping with change
* Making connections across their learning

Creativity and Enterprise:
* Curiosity
* Problem solving
* Showing initiative
* Open minded
* Taking risks; judging distance and speed
* Generating ideas

EDIT