Forest School
Forest School and Learning Outside The Classroom (LOTC)
“The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky.”
(Margaret McMillan)
We are fortunate to have such a beautiful setting for our school. Our extensive and varied grounds provide a wealth of inspirational and exciting learning opportunities for the children at Saighton CE Primary.
In addition to our school playground and play equipment we also have a school field, a forest field, a gardening area and a reflection area.
In line with our vision of ‘Flourishing together, life in all its fullness’ we make the most of the amazing opportunities that the outdoor environment offers to our children; recognising all the benefits that learning in the natural world brings.
The children love to take their learning outside and can regularly be found deepening their understanding of science, geography, history, English and maths in the school grounds.
In addition, each class is allocated an afternoon per week to spend in the forest field. Here, staff prepare exciting activities for the children to engage in and which will also further their academic learning. ‘Play’ forms the other integral part of our forest afternoons; a time when the children can take joy in God’s amazing world and in each other.
At Saighton we are fortunate to have two fully trained Forest School Leaders, Ms Sarah Pearson (L4) and Mrs Lorna Cunningham (L3). Each half term the children enjoy a full Forest School session with one of our trained leaders, following the Forest School ethos and benefitting from all that Forest School offers.
Forest School is a specialised learning approach and inspirational process, that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment with trees. Its roots reach back to early years pioneers in outdoor learning and across the sea to Scandinavia, and its ethos is now shared by thousands of practitioners across the UK and beyond. The learner-centred approach of Forest School interweaves with the ever-changing moods and marvels, potential and challenges of the natural world through the seasons, and encourages participants to develop both personal and social skills, as well as contributing to their well-being.
Forest afternoons and Forest School sessions are a highlight for all the children; an opportunity to experience awe and wonder, and to grow as individuals and together.