At Parkway Primary, we have an on-site Forest School which is used by all year groups. Forest School is run by class teachers who have been trained by the Forest School leader.

Our Forest School is a self-contained area on our school field. Forest School is a really exciting experience which uses the outdoor environment to encourage independence, improve language and decision-making, and raise self-esteem through small achievable tasks.

Forest School is an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.

Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of education at Parkway Primary School and our core values.

As described by the Forest School Association, the six Forest School Principles are as follows:

1. Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School. This supports resilience.

2. Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world. This develops the value of respect.

3. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

5. Forest School is run class teachers who have been trained by the Forest School leader, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.