United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child articles supported by our forest school provision:

Forest School at St Mary’s 

At St Mary’s, outdoor learning is an important part of our curriculum. Our Forest School is used almost every day, throughout the year, and we aim for 10% of children’s learning to take place outdoors. Alongside our own wild woodland to explore, we have a dedicated forest classroom where children can investigate, collaborate and learn in nature.

In Early Years, children have daily access to their own special wild area, where they can build dens, climb, play and discover the natural world, supported by our two qualified Forest School teachers.

Children in Years 1–5 enjoy five Forest School sessions each year, led by a qualified Forest School leader. Sessions build on previous experiences, developing practical skills, confidence, independence and an understanding of nature.

Forest learning goes far beyond timetabled sessions. We take children into the woodland at every opportunity, bringing learning to life through exploration, discovery and hands-on experiences across the curriculum.

Forest School nurtures curiosity, resilience, creativity, teamwork and a lasting appreciation of the natural world. At the heart of our approach are three guiding rules:

Look after yourself. Look after everyone. Look after nature.