Showcase Magazine Autumn 2025 - Flipbook - Page 17
EARLY YEARS
Why Forest School
Sam Victoria, a forest school specialist and founder of My Little Explorers in Winchester, shares the
numerous benefits of outdoor education. With a lifelong love for nature and learning in the outdoors,
Sam was inspired by her own woodland adventures as a child and visits to forest school settings across
the globe. In 2013, she established My Little Explorers to bring the magic of forest school to others.
Where did forest schools begin?
Who is forest school for?
Forest schools originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s, Forest school is for everyone – including babies,
rooted in a philosophy that values child-led learning toddlers, preschoolers, primary-aged children, and
in natural environments. The approach was those with additional needs. The approach is highly
introduced to the UK in the 1990s and is underpinned inclusive, adapting activities to suit different ages
by six key principles: regular sessions in a natural and abilities. Forest school offers sensory-rich
setting, holistic development, child-centred learning, experiences, opportunities for social interaction, and
managed risk-taking, qualified leadership, and long- a calm, supportive environment that can significantly
term engagement. These principles ensure that forest benefit mental health.
schools offer more than just outdoor play – it’s a
Forest schools align with the Early Years Foundation
structured, evidence-based approach to education
Stage (EYFS) by supporting key learning outcomes.
that nurtures confidence, independence, and
Children develop communication skills through
emotional well-being.
storytelling and reflection time in nature. Physical
development is fostered with activities like climbing,
What are forest school activities?
digging and tool use, which promote coordination
Activities range from den building, bug hunting, and and strength.
mud play to fire lighting and nature crafts. Safety is
paramount: leaders carry out thorough risk Just as important, personal, social and emotional
assessments, maintain close supervision (especially skills are developed through teamwork, turn-taking,
during higher-risk activities like tool use or fire and collaborative outdoor play and problem-solving.
lighting), and ensure children are dressed
appropriately for all weather – waterproofs and
wellies are essentials. On rainy days, children can
build shelters, explore puddles, or engage in
storytelling undercover, turning all weathers into a
learning opportunity and contributing to a deep
connection to the natural world.
My Little Explorers: mylittleexplorers.co.uk
