The Forest Approach Consultancy
The Forest Approach Consultancy
Conferences
What I do ... For Nurseries & Preschool
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I can do lots of plans for different individual settings.​I deliver excellent, creative, imaginative, and fun Forest School workshops. If you are looking to set up a Forest School, need ideas for Forest School workshops or require a freelance Forest School practitioner to implement, plan and evaluate your workshops, I can help. I offer one-off and block-booked 6- and 12-week Forest School workshops at either my site or your setting.
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I can come to your environment and plan a program to suit your setting, for a couple of hours, which will be entirely outside! When the Nursery/Preschool enrols children on an enrolment package, the setting will receive a banner advertising the service you are providing (small charge)
“(your setting name ) is a Forest Approach environment”!
Nurturing Nature and Forest School setting
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The setting can advertise that the children can experience the forest school with a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader. It’s great for a holistic approach to children, for the impact on children’s wellbeing, and for Ofsted!
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Working on your environment: As an ex-Lead Foundation Stage Practitioner, I can provide advice and support on setting up a Forest School and developing your outdoor learning provision. As well as thought-provoking Forest School and outdoor learning areas, I can also provide advice on different areas such as vegetable allotments, sensory areas, wildflower gardens, physical nature spaces, and so much more.
I enjoy creating interactive workshops which make the most of environments and enrich the outside classroom
I can provide advice on:
*How to set up a Forest School
*Thought-provoking Forest School and outdoor learning areas
*The creation of vegetable allotments, sensory areas, wildflower gardens, physical nature spaces, and so much more.
*I provide a range of resources and practical support that includes:
*I can support staff in your Early Years environment/staff training,/well being training on my site.
*Leading events or running outdoor activities, Bespoke outdoor workshops for your children and their families, such as end of term and celebrations
*Outdoor teaching resources and lesson plans linked with the EYFS
* How to do your own curriculum
*Practical support in the delivery of Forest School and outdoor learning sessions regularly
*Training sessions to inspire your team and support learning outside the nursery/preschool, including wellbeing & mindfulness
**Risky Play and Outdoor Learning: The Importance for Child Development**
The significance of risky play and its impact on children’s play and development cannot be overstated. Risky play is a vital aspect of childhood, facilitating essential growth experiences. It encompasses outdoor activities that present varying levels of challenge and risk to children.
Reflecting on one's own childhood may evoke memories of engaging in play that involved elements of risk. In contrast, contemporary children are often overly protected, leading to a lack of opportunities to assess and manage risks independently. It is crucial to find ways to enable children to engage in managed risks, thereby fostering their ability to make informed decisions. This practice contributes to the development of more confident individuals.
By adopting a holistic approach to child learning, educators and caregivers can tailor experiences to support overall development. Outdoor environments, such as woodlands, offer unique learning opportunities framed by safety protocols and clearly established boundaries. While it is essential to safeguard children from potential dangers, they must also be encouraged to explore and take risks. In doing so, children can cultivate decision-making skills that ultimately enhance their confidence and personal growth.
