We are delighted to be able to offer our children a unique Forest School within our beautiful ten-acre site.  Forest School is a unique and valuable educational experience that we believe is crucial for the development of our children. It provides them with an opportunity to explore the natural world, learn new skills, and foster a deep connection with the environment.

One of the key reasons why Forest School is so important is because it allows children to engage in hands-on learning, which is often difficult to replicate within the confines of a classroom. By immersing themselves in nature, our children can develop a sense of curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. These are essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

At John Rankin Schools, we are proud to offer Forest School sessions every week for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and every other week for children in Year 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, we run small groups across Year 4, 5, and 6. Our ultimate goal is to make Forest School a regular part of every child’s education, as we strongly believe in the wide-ranging benefits it provides.

Forest School helps children develop their physical skills, such as coordination, balance, and strength, as they engage in activities such as climbing trees, building dens, and exploring the natural environment. It also nurtures their emotional well-being by encouraging self-expression, building self-confidence, and promoting a sense of calm and mindfulness.

It fosters social skills and teamwork as children collaborate with their peers, communicate effectively, and solve problems together. It also nurtures their creativity and imagination, as they engage in imaginative play, storytelling, and natural art activities.

Currently, we have six trained Level 3 leads who facilitate our Forest School sessions. However, we strive to expand our team in the future to be able to offer this valuable experience to all children across the school.

Forest School is an integral part of our curriculum at John Rankin Schools. We firmly believe that by providing our children with regular opportunities to connect with nature and develop essential skills, we are equipping them for success in all aspects of life.