Forest School
At Whitkirk, we believe that children thrive when they are given opportunities to explore, discover and learn in the natural world. Our Forest School provision offers rich, hands-on outdoor experiences that help children develop confidence, independence, resilience and a lifelong love of nature. Through meaningful play and child-led exploration, children learn to take safe risks, solve problems, build relationships and understand the world around them.
Forest School is an integral part of our curriculum, supporting children’s physical, emotional and social development in ways that classroom learning alone cannot. Whether building dens, exploring wildlife, using tools safely or learning around a campfire, every session helps children grow into curious, confident and capable learners.
Forest School Training
High-quality Forest School relies on skilled practitioners, and we are proud of the expertise within our team.
- Miss Emery – Level 1 Forest School Trained
- Mrs Moxon – Level 1 Forest School Trained
- Miss Sanderson – Completing Level 1, 2 and 3 Forest School Training throughout the academic year 2025–2026
This ongoing commitment to training ensures that our Forest School continues to grow, develop and offer the very best experiences for our pupils.
How Children Access Forest School
Throughout the school, specific year groups take part in regular Forest School sessions. At Whitkirk, the following year groups all access Forest School as part of their curriculum entitlement:
- Preschool
- Reception
- Year 1
These sessions are planned to build skills progressively, allowing children to revisit concepts, deepen their understanding and gain confidence over time.
Resources and Support from Friends of Whitkirk
We are extremely grateful to our School PTA, Friends of Whitkirk, who have generously ensured that our Forest School sessions are fully resourced. Their donations have provided:
- Overalls for every child
- Tools and equipment for practical outdoor learning
- Storage for resources to keep sessions safe and well-organised
We cannot thank them enough for their ongoing support, which allows every child to fully engage with and enjoy Forest School.
Why Forest School Is So Important for Our Youngest Learners
Forest School: An Essential Part of Our Whitkirk Curriculum
Forest School is not an “extra”- it is a powerful, enriching part of learning at Whitkirk. It helps build the foundations for confident, happy and resilient children. By offering high-quality outdoor experiences, skilled practitioners, fully resourced sessions and regular access, we provide all pupils with the chance to shine, succeed and develop skills that will benefit them for life.
