Forest School is a child-centered pedagogical approach which is responsive to the needs and interests of our children at Lochinver House. Being a child-led programme, it does not follow a structured progressive series of lessons in the same way that traditional subjects do.

The progress of a series of sessions will depend on the interests and enthusiasm of the children involved, chance events and encounters during the session. Children are not expected or forced to participate in each activity or given a level of expectation of what they will achieve.

In practical terms, this would mean that a child would not be told that they will be learning to make shelters as this would impose a definition of success, and subsequently the chance of failure. A child presented with learning how to make a shelter may choose to join in, or to pursue another interest. Anything they achieve will be their choice and their own achievement, and the more powerful and valuable experience for that.

With that in mind, the types of experiences made available for the children may include, but are not limited to:

Natural exploration of the woodland area across the seasons

Activities to establish physical and behavioural boundaries

Climbing trees

Water and mud play (inc mud kitchen)

Shelter/ den building opportunities

Using Hammocks

Team building games

Creative opportunities

Developing the skills to use tools safely

Campfire games, food and songs

Reflection time

Forest School continues to take a key role in the curriculum, growing from the belief that children learn through discovery, exploration and curiosity. Here at Lochinver House, our Forest School ethos encompasses communication, collaboration, creativity, confidence, exploration and independence.

Play and choice and an integral part of Forest School and play is recognised as vital to learning and development. Reflective practice is a feature within Forest School sessions to ensure that children can understand their achievements and develop emotional intelligence.

Forest School aims to foster a relationship with nature through regular experiences over the year in order to develop long term, environmentally sustainable attitudes. At Lochinver House, the children quickly learn to “leave no trace”, ensuring that the woodland area is protected and always returned to its natural state after use. Forest School uses natural resources for inspiration, to enable ideas and to encourage intrinsic motivation.