Forest Schools
Forest School is an inspirational process that offers children regular opportunities to achieve, and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment.
At Ashbourne Primary we have been developing a corner of the school field into our Forest School base camp. We go out all year, regardless of the weather, and have a tarp to offer a bit of shelter.
We use tools in a traditional woodland manner, which are introduced gradually with a structured safety base that children become familiar with. The use of tools promotes trust and self-confidence within those taking part; their use will develop both gross and fine motor skills.
A typical forest school session might include shelter building, woodland and traditional crafts, art and sculpture work, games, studying wildlife, fire lighting and cooking on an open fire. The sessions usually end around the camp fire with a review of the session and the best hot chocolate in the world!
“I would rather come to Forest School than live in a mansion!”
(A recent quote from a Year 4 child)
We have a level 3 qualified Forest school Leader in school - Mrs Akhurst.
Miss Botham is our Forest School Assistant. She also runs Forest Friends.


