CHILDREN at Scargill School are making the most of learning in the great outdoors in an exciting new initiative.
A new Forest School site is being set up at the school, in Beech Lane, to allow pupils to develop a range of skills.
Some children in the Early Years Foundation Stage at the school have been enjoying weekly visits to the Forest School site and it is hoped that in future the rest of the children in EYFS and potentially other year groups may also benefit.
British Forest Schools have been developed and adapted from the original concept that was implemented in Scandinavia in the 1950s. It was first introduced in the UK in 1994 and since then a network of Forest School sites have been established across the country.
The idea is that children go out in small groups, whatever the weather, to have fun, learn and explore a woodland environment.
The kind of activities that take place at Forest School include: den building, climbing trees, shapes hunts, making willow wands, cooking, exploring, re-enacting stories and bark rubbing. Forest School is designed to develop skills such as independence, confidence, communication skills, problem-solving and teamwork.
Kay Chisholm, Scargill’s Assistant Head and Forest School leader, said: “It is wonderful that we have been able to introduce Forest School at Scargill.
“Forest School activities are largely initiated by the children and involves a combination of guided and free choice investigations and activities, which are linked to topics being covered in the classroom.”

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