At Chatham Nursery School, we are very proud of our Forest School sessions that are run by our forest school leader Rachel. These are special sessions based in our dedicated forest school on Earle Road. Our children’s confidence, curiosity and creativity come to life. Children describe it as fun, exciting and magical. Visitors describe the sessions are full of joy, calm, heartening and exciting.
We embrace being outdoors in all seasons, letting children explore nature, learn to take risks safely, build resilience and learn to problem solve.
From den building, to bug hunting, sharing stories, every session helps children grow in independence and discover more about themselves – all while having fun in the fresh air.
Benefits of Forest School sessions:
Physical Development: Being outdoors encourages children to move freely, climb, explore, and engage in physical activities that build their strength, coordination, and gross motor skills.
Confidence and Independence: Forest School sessions give children the opportunity to make decisions, take risks, and solve problems in a safe, supported environment. This helps build their confidence, resilience, and independence as they learn to trust their abilities.
Emotional Well-being: Time spent in nature is known to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. The natural environment provides a space for children to express themselves, explore their feelings, and develop emotional resilience.
Creativity and Imagination: The outdoor setting sparks children’s imagination, allowing them to engage in open-ended play. They use natural materials like sticks, leaves, and stones to create, build, and invent, which enhances their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Social Skills and Teamwork: Forest School encourages collaboration and communication, as children often work together to complete tasks, build structures, or explore new areas. This helps develop their social skills, cooperation, and ability to work as part of a team.