In this episode, Alison, a nursery manager and forest school leader, shares insights on the philosophy and benefits of outdoor learning through forest schools: -
Forest schools emphasise children's innate connection to nature for their health and well-being. Activities like building rope walkways develop teamwork and emotional resilience.
- Forest schools can be inclusive by making adaptations for children of different ages, abilities, and special educational needs
The key is knowing each child and making necessary adjustments.
- Forest school offers a unique learning environment that complements traditional schooling, especially for children with additional needs. It allows controlled risk-taking and hands-on outdoor experiences
- Forest school leaders require specialised training to ensure safety and tailor activities to individual needs, finding the right balance between risk and benefit.
- Alison highlights how forest school supports children's overall development - physical, cognitive, social, emotional - by allowing them to direct their own learning experiences in nature.
- She also shares heartwarming examples of children's creativity thriving outdoors and the joyful reactions children and parents have had during forest school sessions
- Alison discusses the importance of being prepared for outdoor hazards and how children often surprise with their imaginative games and activities like building fairy houses.
 
Key Lessons 

Forest schools can be inclusive and accommodate children of different ages and abilities, including those with special educational needs, through adaptations and tailoring activities to individual needs.
Forest school empowers children, boosts their motivation to learn, and helps them develop important life skills through controlled risk-taking and hands-on outdoor experiences.
Forest school benefits not just the children, but the adults as well, providing emotional wellbeing advantages of spending time outdoors.

 
00:00 Welcome to For All Stages and Ages: Exploring Forest School 00:34 The Philosophy and Importance of Forest Schools 01:28 A Day at Forest School: Activities and Routine 02:26 Key Skills and Lessons from Outdoor Learning 03:45 Inclusivity and Adaptations for Diverse Needs 05:01 Becoming a Forest School Leader: Training and Qualifications 05:49 Ensuring Safety and Managing Risks in Outdoor Learning 06:55 The Transformative Impact of Forest School on Children 07:37 Forest School vs. Traditional Schooling: Complementary     Approaches 11:02 Creative Play and Learning in Nature 13:04 Engaging Parents and the Community in Forest School 15:36 Preparing for Forest School: Tips for Parents and Children 18:38 Unexpected Lessons and Closing Thoughts  
Chapters 

00:00:00 - A Day in the Life of Forest School
00:01:49 - Adapting Forest School Activities for Diverse Learners
00:05:02 - Requirements for Running a Forest School
00:07:41 - Forest School: Nurturing Child-Centered Learning
00:09:37 - Children's Confidence and Self-Regulation at Forest School
00:11:53 - Child's Heartwarming Hug of Grandfather Oak Tree
00:15:09 - Embracing Muddy Forest School Adventures
00:19:20 - The Benefits of Forest School for All

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