FOREST SCHOOL FRIDAYS

Wilder are very excited to bring Forest School Fridays to Lochend Woods! These sessions will run term time 2.00pm-4.15pm on a Friday. We are welcoming children from P2 to P7 to join us for 4 week blocks to experience the changing seasons. Our forest schoolers will have the opportunity to take part if a whole range of experiences including shelter building, hammocks, rope play, climbing, fire building, energetic games,exploring and using tools

Forest School follow the same key principles:

Regular sessions in a woodland or other natural environment, rather than one-off visits Our sessions will take place in Lochend Woods with full support from the Lochend Community Woodland Group. Wilder already run holiday woodland camps on this site and we just love the diversity of trees, plants, animals, birds and insects!

Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements Each session is well planned and resourced taking into consideration time of year, weather and interests of the learners each week. Learners are involved in planning and decision making

Develops a relationship between the learner and the natural world Spending regular time in the same woodland over a longer period of time will help learners develop their knowledge and awareness of nature organically.

Promotes holistic development - fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners Forest school encourages playing and exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically

Learners take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves Wilder have a wide range of resources to facilitate risky play. Kids love to climb, crawl, jump, push, pull, hide and run – about half of our session time is dedicated to free play as part of a range of free choice activities. Taking risks is an important part of children’s physical and mental development -

learners are involved in discussions around risk. Some risk assessments have firm rules and operating procedures and others are more dynamic to allow us to respond to unexpected situations.

Run by qualified Forest School practitioners who maintain and develop their professional practice All of our staff are forest school trained with each session led by a Forest School Leader and assisted by a Forest school assistant. We are PVG checked and trained in outdoor first aid and child protection.

Range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning Learning is guided by children’s own needs and interests – learning and play is intrinsically motivated.

Instructions for attendees

Please ensure you are dressed suitably for the weather e.g. waterproof trousers/jacket/warm layers including hat/gloves and waterproof shoes/wellies. (These can be provide. Please let us know if you require them)

* Wilder have a small range of spare waterproofs and boots – please let us know in advance what you need to borrow, including size

* Drop off and pick up point is on Kellie Road, halfway between Halhill and Middlemass Road. Lookout for the green 'Wilder' flag at entrance to woodland

* Please ensure you're child has eaten lunch and been to the toilet before coming along

* There are basic toilet facilities on site should your child need to use the toilet

* Wilder will provide a warm drink/biscuit. Only bring a snack if you're child has specific dietary requirements.

* We would prefer children not to bring sweets to forest school sessions.

* Children should not bring mobiles or personal knives to the session