Information for the Lead Practitioner

Information for the Lead Practitioner The Kingswood Forest School – “Woodlanders”

Working in the outdoors provides a valuable context for children to explore and investigate a natural environment and in the process, encourage children to gain confidence and independence. It is as opportunity for parents, staff and children to learn together and for us all to discover and learn through seeing, hearing, smelling and hands on experiences.

The children over the weeks will begin to develop increasing independence under the guidance of familiar adults. Their ongoing sense of achievement and success will build on self esteem and enjoyment. Independence can be supported by encouraging children to:  Put on their own wellies and coats.  Climb on and off the minibus by themselves.  Walk in the woodland without holding hands.  Investigate with an adult “shadowing” near by or observing from a distance.

The children will learn much from the different seasons and become familiar with the woodland. The weather will provide interest and challenge and not a barrier to learning and so children need to be well equipped for rain, wind and shine. The Centre has loan supplies of wellies, waterproofs, gloves, hats and scarves when needed.

The Woodlander programme supports a sensory approach to learning and children will become more adept at listening to and following instructions, at asking questions and finding their own answers or solutions to problems.

From the first session the children will learn the “Forest School Golden Rules” Which are:  Be polite and kind.  Listen to each other.  Keep to the boundaries.  Care for all living things.  Don’t pick things  Don’t take things from the wood without permission.  Enjoy ourselves.

Although we have a planned programme, this will provide a guide to possible developments and not a straight jacket. The experience should be child led, so encourage children to pursue individual interests. Where you are able to take a step back and observe children’s play, here we can begin to make jottings about the learning which is taking place.

The woodlander experience is not just about children learning, but is also about how we can all learn about and support their individual needs, so that they fulfil their individual potential.

We hope that you enjoy the Kingswood Forest School. Your support, contribution and feedback are greatly appreciated.

Rachel Wells Headteacher