Forest School
Forest School is a hands-on, child-led approach to learning that takes place outdoors, in woodland or natural settings. At Elevate&Co, we bring this approach to schools and pupils as part of our commitment to supporting the whole child, not just their academic progress, but their confidence, wellbeing, and love of learning.
Rather than sitting behind a desk, children explore, build, discover, and problem-solve in a natural environment, developing skills that carry through into every area of school life.
Email: officeadmin@elevateandco.uk to discover more.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a long-established educational approach (originating in Scandinavia and now widely used across the UK) that uses regular sessions in a woodland or outdoor space to support children's personal, social, and emotional development.
It's not just "playtime outside." Sessions are planned, purposeful, and led by trained practitioners who use nature as the classroom, encouraging children to take manageable risks, work as a team, and build independence at their own pace.
Forest School is especially valuable for:
- Children who struggle to engage in a traditional classroom setting
- Building confidence, resilience, and self-esteem
- Developing social skills and teamwork
- Supporting speech, language, and communication
- Children who benefit from movement and hands-on learning
- Reconnecting pupils with nature and the outdoors
What Happens in a Session?
Every Forest School session is different, shaped by the season, the site, and the children themselves. Sessions are adapted to the age and needs of the group, and every activity is carefully risk-assessed so children can explore boldly, safely.
Typical activities include:
Fire Lighting and Cooking
Learning fire safety, striking a spark, and toasting marshmallows or cooking simple food outdoors.
Tool Use
Age-appropriate use of tools such as loppers, bow saws, and potato peelers for whittling, under close supervision.
Nature Crafts
Making mud faces, leaf art, natural paintbrushes, or seasonal decorations.
Mini-beast Hunts
Exploring and identifying insects, bugs, rivers, and pond life.
Tree Climbing and Balancing
Building physical confidence and core strength.
Storytelling and Games
Campfire stories, team games, and imaginative play.
Why Schools Choose Forest School with Elevate&Co?
Delivered by qualified, DBS-checked practitioners
Flexible sessions to fit around your curriculum and timetable
A proven approach to supporting engagement, behaviour, and wellbeing
Suitable for whole classes, small groups, or targeted interventions (including pupils at risk of disengagement or exclusion)
All equipment, planning, and risk assessments provided.
It all starts with a Hello!
Get in Touch
Interested in bringing Forest School to your setting? Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can tailor sessions to your pupils and site.
Email: officeadmin@elevateandco.uk