Discover, Explire, Thrive: Forest School at St. Peter’s

Imagine the excitement of building a secret den with friends, the pride of lighting a campfire for the first time, the wonder of finding a ladybird hidden amongst the leaves, or the joy of toasting marshmallows beneath the open sky.

At St Peter’s, our Reception children enjoy regular Forest School sessions in our purpose-built outdoor learning environment, where every visit becomes an adventure and every child has the opportunity to shine.

Our Forest School programme is delivered by Nurture Nature Forest School CIC, a local specialist provider with extensive experience of working with children and young people across Lincolnshire. Their experienced practitioners create engaging, child-centred experiences that inspire confidence, curiosity and a love of learning through nature.

Forest School is a unique approach to learning that places children at the heart of the experience. Through exploration, play, discovery and supported risk-taking, children develop the confidence to try new things, solve problems and become independent learners.

Our outdoor sessions encourage children to follow their curiosity, ask questions and learn through hands-on experiences. Whether they are creating woodland crafts, searching for signs of wildlife, building shelters, learning to use tools safely or gathering around a campfire, children are constantly developing new skills whilst having fun.

The benefits of Forest School reach far beyond the outdoors. Regular sessions help children to:

🌿 Build confidence and self-esteem
🌿 Develop resilience and perseverance
🌿 Strengthen friendships and teamwork skills
🌿 Improve communication and problem-solving abilities
🌿 Foster independence and responsibility
🌿 Enhance physical development and coordination
🌿 Develop a lifelong love of nature and the environment

Most importantly, Forest School gives children the freedom to be children, to explore, imagine, create and discover the world around them in a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment.

The laughter, excitement and sense of achievement that fill our Forest School sessions are a joy to witness. We regularly see children who may be quieter in the classroom flourish outdoors, developing confidence, curiosity and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Through their partnership with Nurture Nature Forest School CIC, St Peter's is committed to providing meaningful outdoor learning experiences that complement the EYFS curriculum while nurturing children's wellbeing, creativity and connection to the natural world.

"Forest School is an integral part of our curriculum and the look of pure joy on the children's faces when they light a fire, tie a knot or toast marshmallows is priceless. We have seen a love of learning ignite in children who have been less confident. It supports and enhances children's development across all areas of the EYFS, fostering confidence, resilience, concentration, independence and curiosity whilst experiencing the benefits of being outdoors." Mrs Osborne, EYFS Lead

Every muddy puddle is an opportunity, every stick is a tool, every tree is an adventure, and every child can thrive.