At Kingsley we are incredibly fortunate to be able to provide children with longer and more regular sessions at Forest School than other schools in the area. Our passionate and inspirational Forest School Leader, Mrs Amanda Norris, delivers a structured programme that begins with our EYFS children and extends all of the way through to Year 6.
EARLY YEARS (EYFS)
Our EYFS children spend every Friday at our Forest School site, year round, all weather, and take a picnic lunch or cook their own food around the campfire. The children are introduced to tools, use their fine-motor skills, climb trees and make dens. Through these activities they start to learn the basic life skills that they will need as they progress through the school and beyond.
YEARS 1 AND 2
Year 1 and 2 children also spend Friday afternoon at Forest School, where they further develop their practical and communication skills. Unlike most junior schools, Forest School does not end here at Kingsley.
YEARS 3 TO 6
Children from Year 3 to Year 6 also spend a full afternoon at Forest School each week, learning bush craft skills, collaborating on larger projects and sharing their advanced skills with the younger children.
This commitment to outdoor learning is one aspect of our provision that sets us apart from other schools. The benefits to mental and physical health, social development and practical hands on learning are well documented and it is wonderful that all children at the Prep School have access to regular and well-resourced outdoor learning opportunities.
"Preparatory School student’s appreciation of the wider world and non-material aspects of life, particularly the outdoors, is excellent."ISI Inspection Report, March 2023
