Pocklington Prep School offers free Forest School sessions to pre-schoolers in the local community

Pocklington Prep School has widened access to its Forest School facility by offering five, free weekly sessions to pre-school children in the local community.

Aims

The aim of the project is to make the existing facility available to more children in the community. Forest School offers a child-led learning environment and promotes the holistic development of those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. Forest School provides learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves.

Background

The Forest School environment is already an important part of the Prep School curriculum and can offer a different style of learning to traditional classroom settings. The School chose to widen access to the facility, to include pre-school aged children in the local community.

Resources

The Forest School area already existed at Pocklington Prep School and is maintained by the School. Lesson plans often include craft or outdoor cooking, so some additional resources may be required for each session but usually cost no more than £10.00.

The sessions are planned and led by a member of teaching staff who is a Forest School Lead and is supported by two other members of staff at each session.

Pupil Involvement

The children who attend are aged between 2-4 years of age and are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Usually, 10-15 children attend each session.

Frequency

Children can attend five weekly sessions during the summer term free of charge.