The first step is to train to become a qualified Level 3 Forest School leader - see training section for further details.
Establish the needs of your learner group.
Find an appropriate local woodland site, and gain the landowner's permission to use the site.
A risk assessment is carried out by a qualified leader, to ensure the site is safe for the children and adults to visit.
A typical programme involves the FEI Forest School leader initially talking to the parents/carers and explaining all about FEI Forest School and the sort of activities the participants will be doing. Parents of specific groups are invited to visit the FEI Forest School site.
The Forest School leaders get to know the participants and gain their confidence before taking them to the woodland, for example by leading activities at the children's educational setting for one or two sessions.
The group (typically up to 15) visit the same local woodland site on a regular basis (once a week or fortnightly) ideally throughout the year, except in extreme conditions.
Each session is learner-centred, based on the skills and needs of that group.
Games are played and small achievable tasks are set, such as hide and seek, building shelters, learning how to use appropriate tools, lighting fires, cooking.
The participants learn basic woodland skills as a method to try and boost their self-confidence and raise their self-esteem.
The participants learn to use natural materials and develop practical and intellectual skills, which can all be linked with the National Curriculum or the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.
The Forest School model is suited to people of all ages and has been found to be particularly successful with children and young people who may struggle to achieve in the more formal classroom setting.
Forest Schools
