We are incredibly lucky at Whiteshill because our forest school takes place in a real forest! We have a long-standing agreement which allows us to use an area in Ruscombe Woods. This means that the children are immersed in nature for the session, experiencing the seasons as they pass and learning all about the natural world in thier local area. It also means that forest school is set up and ready for them to access, with a fire pit, den building areas and natural climbing equipment for them to explore.
(dependant on weather)
- Long trousers
- Long sleeved top
- Warm outer clothing (layers are good)
- Raincoat with hood
- Old trainers, walking boots or wellington boots
- Sun hat or winter hat – depending on the weather
Please be aware that clothes and footwear may get very muddy!
Even when the weather is very warm in the summer months, the children still need to wear long trousers and a long sleeved top to protect them from bugs and bites.
Willow class children arrive at school in their Forest School clothes each week and then bring their school uniform and school shoes into school in a separate bag so that they can change into them when they arrive back at school just before lunch. All other classes bring their forest school clothes with them in to school and change in to them, prior to their afternoon session.
Forest school continues throughout the year, through rain and snow and as it takes place in a shaded, wooded area, it is often colder than at school so it is important the children have enough layers to keep them warm.
During the final week of the winter term, we hold a whole school forest school, to which the whole school community is invited. Everybody walks up together and we celebrate Christmas with mulled wine and mince pies around the fire, accompanied by the children singing carols to really get us in the Christmas spirit! Everybody is welcome – the date for this year’s event will be found on the school calendar once it has been set.