Forest School Booking
Forest School encourages children’s emotional and physical development through outdoor play, activities and exploration in a woodland classroom.
Spending regular time in a wood is a wonderful chance for children to connect with nature. Activities are designed to suit a range of learning styles and engage children in various ways. The programme helps to build self-esteem, communication skills, independence and self-confidence.
Forest School meets Every Child Matters outcomes and is an excellent way to support the National Curriculum and consolidate learning in the classroom.
Forest School sessions at Holland Park
We cater for preschool to secondary groups and can accommodate two groups of up to 20 children concurrently. Our programmes are formed of six weekly two-hour sessions.
These are led by an experienced Forest School Facilitator and have clear curriculum linked objectives. In each session the group will participate in a variety of open- ended activities incorporating free play and exploration.
The Forest School site is in a secured fenced area of mature woodland with access to a pond and grasslands. All activities and the site are risk assessed. Our staff are Level 3 Forest School leaders and trained in outdoor and paediatric first aid.
The content of the programme will be devised according to the group’s age, interests and needs. Forest School encompasses a range of outdoor activities from within the following categories:
- field study activities
- sensory games
- bushcraft
- woodland arts and crafts
- team-building
- physical play
- construction
- natural exploration
- wildlife conservation
- Imaginative activities
Tool use can be incorporated into the Forest School programme. When appropriate, groups will be taught to use a variety of tools under close adult supervision.
Important information
- We offer six-week programmes for learners of all ages
- One-off taster sessions are also available
- Forest School programmes can be run throughout the year - spring and autumn are ideal times to observe seasonal change
- Two forest sites are available. Each site can accommodate up to 20 children (if your class is larger than 20 it will be split into two groups lead by separate Forest School leaders.).
- Visiting schools should also complete their own risk assessments.
- Self-led options are available
Forest School fees and charges April 2021 - March 2022
These charges have been set and agreed by the Cabinet member for Environment and Communities in March 2021:
| Environmental Education session led groups | RBKC state schools | RBKC private schools and non-RBKC schools |
|---|---|---|
| Total charge for 6-week Forest School programme (20 children maximum). The same group returns each week. | £380 | £490 |
| Attendance charge for using Wildlife Area (per pupil) – up to 2 hours. This is for self-led groups, either environmental education or Forest School. | £2.65 | £3.75 |
| Taster session - up to 2 hours (up to 20 children). Charge for one-off sessions. | £70 | £95 |
Booking information
Please contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements and make a booking. After booking, a confirmation pack containing information about your Forest School sessions and risk assessments will be sent to you. A pre-visit can also be arranged and is strongly advised.
Our programme may also be run at other sites across the borough.
Before your school visit to the Ecology Centre you will receive an invoice which must be paid in full within 30 days of the invoice date. Once the payment has been received, we will email you confirming the invoice has been paid.
Supervision
All children must be supervised by adults on visits to the Ecology Centre.
Recommended Ratios of Adults to Children of Visiting Groups:
| age range | ratio |
|---|---|
| Early Years | 1:4 |
| Infants | 1:6 |
| Juniors | 1:8 |
- the maximum group size is 20
- teachers must take full responsibility for the group whilst attending the Ecology Centre sessions
- risk assessment must be completed by the school
