Forest School Intent

At Farsley Springbank, our vision is for all children to become confident individuals, successful learners and responsible citizens. Our Forest School curriculum builds on these foundations by providing open-ended, hands-on experiences that encourage children to think creatively, solve problems and communicate effectively with those around them.

Through exploration and discovery in our natural environment, children develop a deep sense of belonging and appreciation for the world around them. Working collaboratively outdoors fosters community, strengthens relationships and promotes wellbeing. We believe that every child should have regular opportunities to connect with nature — to observe how the local environment changes through the seasons and to recognise, name and respect the plants and wildlife native to our area.

Our six Curriculum Drivers are at the heart of our Forest School provision:

• Independence grows as children make choices, take responsibility and lead their own learning.
• Determination is nurtured through challenges that require perseverance, problem solving and reflection.
• Curiosity inspires children to explore, ask questions and seek understanding about the natural world.
• Risk-Taking is encouraged as children step out of their comfort zones and learn how to assess and manage risk safely.
• Collaboration is strengthened through teamwork, communication and shared experiences outdoors.
• Respect underpins everything we do — for ourselves, others, wildlife and the environment.

We aim for Forest School and outdoor learning to become a regular, valued and integral part of our curriculum, offering rich opportunities for personal growth, wellbeing and lifelong connection with the natural world.

Forest School Implementation

At Farsley Springbank, Forest School is led by two qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioners supported by our school gardener, eco coordinator and a visiting Forest School specialist. Together, they plan and deliver a progressive, inclusive programme of outdoor learning that promotes exploration, resilience and respect for the environment.

All Key Stage 1 children take part in weekly Forest School sessions throughout the year, allowing them to experience nature across all seasons and observe first-hand how the weather, plants and wildlife change over time. Foundation Stage children also access the outdoor area regularly in smaller groups, developing confidence and independence in a nurturing setting.

Our long-term plan outlines a clear progression of skills and knowledge revisited and deepened year after year. Each year group learns to identify and describe specific trees, plants and animals, building a rich understanding of local flora and fauna. This cumulative approach helps pupils develop confidence, vocabulary and scientific understanding while also nurturing a love of nature.

Links are made to the National Curriculum — particularly in science and geography — to ensure that outdoor learning complements and enriches classroom teaching. However, we also value the importance of free choice and self-directed learning which fosters curiosity, creativity, social skills and problem solving.

This year our provision has been further enhanced by a Forest School specialist who delivers sessions across Key Stage 2, ensuring that all pupils at Farsley Springbank benefit from outdoor learning. These sessions develop bushcraft and nature-based skills while linking where appropriate to class topics, reinforcing the message that learning can happen anywhere.

Our Curriculum Drivers are woven through every session:

• Children show Independence by taking ownership of tasks and exploring ideas freely.
• They demonstrate Determination by tackling physical and mental challenges with perseverance.
• Curiosity guides their investigations of the natural world.
• Risk-Taking builds confidence and self-awareness as they safely navigate challenges.
• Collaboration strengthens teamwork and community spirit.
• Respect is modelled in every interaction — with people, tools and the environment.

Through this carefully structured yet flexible approach, Forest School at Farsley Springbank empowers children to grow as Courageous, Kind and Curious learners who are resilient, environmentally aware and ready to care for the world around them.