Down the Woods Ltd

“Down the Woods “believes that everyone should be able to connect in some way with the natural environment. Down the Woods provide a wealth of services such as: •Forest School •Woodland adventure days •Team building •Parent Group sessions •After School clubs •Playscheme days known as “Wild in the Woods” •Bushcraft for adults, families and young people •Family Saturday Club To book please contact us or fill in a booking form. What is Down the Woods Forest School? A regular visit to a local wood or woodland on the setting’s site where children participate in activities and games designed to build self-esteem, communication skills, independence and self- confidence through an appreciation of the natural environment. Why? To encourage physical and emotional development through outdoor play, the children have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. How? Qualified Leaders ensure that all the policies and procedures are in place to run a safe and effective Forest School. Usually children visit a wood once a week for substantial amount of time, giving children the chance to develop an emotional bond with the wood. Where? Local woods within walking distance from the school or in School grounds. Children’s dreams and memories are the only valuable things kept in a Forest School Woodland! Philosophy The sessions are learner led, allowing the children to explore and develop at their own pace and within their own learning styles. A range of activities are used in the form of small achievable tasks such as building shelters, exploring mud, collecting firewood and finding treasures. These activities are designed to explore their social development or self awareness development with the view to raising their self esteem. Learners develop woodland skills and the ability to work as a team, to communicate well and boost their self confidence. The session activities are easily linked to National Curriculum or Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Benefits ‘Forest Schools is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning.’ ‛The philosophy of Forest Schools,’ is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive experiences and participation in engaging and motivating achievable tasks. Taking part in activities in a woodland environment, help the children to develop personal, social and emotional skills. Research over a long period of time has found that the benefits in attending these outdoor classrooms are: • Improved concentration • Improved social skills and empathising • Improved co-ordination • Fewer sick days By engaging in a learning led environment, there are opportunities for developing social and emotional intelligence, which through support and guidance increases: • Independence • Empathy • Self esteem • Intrinsic movement • Self Awareness • Self regulation • Social communication Forest School has demonstrated success with children of all ages who visit the same local woodland on a regular basis. Through play, they learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly, to use their initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. Programmes run throughout the year going to the woods in all weather (except high winds). Children play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, they grow in confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Children need time to thoroughly explore their feelings, thoughts and relationships. This develops understanding of the world, the environment and everything within it through use of their emotions, imagination and senses. Health and Safety Leaders are all trained in delivery of Forest Schools and have a wide range of expertise in the education of children. The Forest School initiative has its own set of Heath and Safety policies that meet the requirements of the local Authority’s Health and Safety policy. We work alongside schools to make sure we adhere to their individual policies. The woods and route that the children take are checked before every session by means of a risk assessment. Any risks are dealt with appropriately and the teacher in charge of the class is made aware. Duration & Preparation The best forest schools projects are long term. “Down the Woods Forest School” is able to provide, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks or longer term projects for your school. All children from the foundation stage to Year 6 and beyond, will benefit from this unique and exciting learning opportunity. The initial session of activities will be led in the children’s educational setting so that leaders can get to know the children and the children get to know the leader in a familiar setting. On this occasion Down the Woods Forest School leaders can also speak to the parents/guardians to explain about the visit to the wood the next week and answer their questions. Down the Woods Forest School leaders can also help with the information sent to parents/guardians