🌳 Forest School and Outdoor Learning at Penruddock

Our Forest School Environment

At Penruddock, our dedicated Forest School area provides a valuable outdoor learning space where children can explore, investigate and develop practical skills. This environment enriches school life by giving pupils regular opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and to connect with the natural world in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Through Forest School and wider outdoor learning, pupils develop curiosity, resilience and a deep connection with nature. These experiences also strengthen learning across the curriculum, supporting subjects such as science, art, geography and history in practical, immersive ways.

Forest School at Penruddock

We are proud to have a qualified Forest School Leader who delivers authentic, hands-on learning experiences for our children. Forest School is a unique philosophy that promotes resilience, confidence and self-esteem—vital life skills that sit at the heart of our ambition for every child.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that Forest School supports the whole child: mind, body and heart. Its holistic nature encourages children to take risks, solve problems, develop independence and work collaboratively. It nurtures wellbeing as much as academic growth.

Celebrating EYFS Daily Forest School

Our EYFS children enjoy daily Forest School sessions, giving them continuous opportunities to explore, play and learn in nature. This distinctive provision ensures that our youngest learners build strong foundations in confidence, resilience and curiosity.

Daily outdoor learning strengthens physical development, communication and language, social skills and emotional wellbeing. By embedding Forest School into everyday practice, our EYFS children grow up with a deep appreciation of the natural world, a readiness to take on challenges, and a joy in learning that permeates the whole curriculum.

The Six Principles of Forest School

Our Forest School ethos is shaped by the six principles defined by the Forest School Association (FSA). These principles guide our practice and ensure our provision remains high quality and child-centred:

• Forest School is a long-term process, involving frequent and regular sessions with planning, observation, adaptation and review at its core.
• It takes place in a natural environment, helping learners develop a deep, lasting relationship with the natural world.
• It promotes holistic development, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
• It encourages supported risk-taking, offering opportunities that are appropriate to both the environment and the learner.
• It is led by qualified practitioners who continually develop their professional practice.
• It uses learner-centred processes, creating a supportive community for development and learning.

Forest School ~ Autumn Term

Forest Gallery - Birkmere and School Based