Forest School Photos
Our Aims
What is Forest Schools
The origins of Forest Schools stems back to Sweden in the 1950s when it was used as an approach to learning about the natural world. Due to its success and benefits for learning it was an integral part of Denmark’s Early Years programme by the 1980s. In 1995 it was introduced to the United Kingdom by Bridgewater College in Somerset and it has been growing and evolving in this country ever since.
Children attending a Forest School visit the same piece of woodland on a regular basis over an extended period of time. The woodland is complementary to the school classroom. Overtime children and adults connect with this site value and respect it. Forest School gives children the opportunity to challenge themselves and take risks within safe boundaries.
What we do
We arrange, facilitate and deliver a wide range of games and activities that constantly change and develop to meet the needs and challenges our participants in a positive relaxed atmosphere.
This gives our participants opportunities to learn, develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment, with support from us throughout their journey. In doing so, we cultivate respect for ourselves, each other and the woodlands.
Health and Safety
We adhere to all Forest School health and safety procedures and comply with all regulations including safeguarding, data protection and are fully insured under policy number: SALSALIA/K131592/0332/19
Stephen Cannar
Has worked within Schools for over 10 years in various different roles and currently works at a local primary school working with 5 – 11 year olds.
He specialises in play and well-being, helping children to develop, build self-esteem and confidence. He is currently part way through his Forest School Level 3 leader training with Lily Horseman (Kindling Play and Learning) chairperson of the Forest School Association.
He recently set up the Forest School programme working between Prince of Wales Park and St Ives Estate Country Park with the help of the other team members. He is also a member of friends of Prince of Wales, friends of St Ives and Bradford Forest School Network. He is leading sessions on both sites.
Alison Taylor
She has 25 years experience teaching within primary schools. For the whole of this time she has led and coordinated PE, Sport and Outdoor Adventure activities. Prior to teaching Alison led Guiding and Scouting activities and organised residential camps and outdoor visits. Her initial interest in outdoor learning started when, as a student, she worked on Kibbutzim in Israel and on summer camp programmes in America. Alison has completed Level 1 Forest School training and various outdoor learning CPD courses. Alison currently combines primary school teaching alongside swimming tuition in the local area
Carla Weatherall
Is a mum to two young boys. She loves getting outside in the fresh air with them and making their own play using natural materials. She works part time for the National Trust and her job is to help children develop a love for the outdoors and get closer to nature. She is excited to be involved with forest schools and is looking forward to meeting lots of little nature detectives very soon.
Heidi Milner
Has worked within a local primary school for the last 10 years and currently works as a play worker at the breakfast and after school clubs. She is also studying for a level 3 play worker award. She has a degree in Art and Design and loves combining the outdoors with her love of art and photography.
Joanna Cattell
Joanna Cattell has worked at a local primary School for over 8 years as a Learning Mentor. She specialises in Nurture, children’s mental health and well-being. Joanna works with children aged 5-11 to develop, build self-esteem and confidence. Joanna is an advocate of outdoor learning and has worked alongside Stephen for 5 years.
Our team are DBS checked and the Forest School leader holds a current Paediatric first aid and Forest School first aid certificate.
We are always looking for new volunteers so if you would like to help out, experience, learn and grow with us, please get in touch.
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Telephone number: 07411 051 396