Forest School Curriculum Statement

Mrs Swallow, is our qualified Forest School Leader. Forest School sessions are held for Pre-School and Reception all year round, then Year 1 and Year 2 get a term of weekly sessions each week. 

Intent

At Great Missenden Church of England School and Pre-School, our Forest School provision is rooted in our Christian vision to “walk together in hope”, guided by our values of Faith and Community, Love and Respect, Truth and Courage.

We believe every child is uniquely created and valued by God. Forest School provides an inclusive, nurturing environment where all pupils can flourish, regardless of their starting points. Through regular, high-quality outdoor learning, children develop confidence, resilience and independence while deepening their respect for God’s creation.

Inspired by Matthew 7:7–8 — “Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.” — we encourage pupils to explore, question and reflect. Forest School supports the development of the whole child — spiritually, morally, socially and culturally — alongside their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Through Forest School, children use their “educational keys” in practical and creative ways — solving problems, managing risk and unlocking their personal potential beyond the classroom walls.

Forest School provides opportunities for children to look through “windows” into the wider world of nature, ecosystems and community responsibility, while also offering space for reflection, helping them consider the “big questions” of life and develop self-awareness by metaphorically looking in the mirror.

We aim to:

• Foster curiosity, awe and wonder in the natural world as part of God’s creation

• Develop pupils’ personal, social and emotional skills within a strong sense of community

• Build resilience and perseverance through managed risk-taking, demonstrating courage

• Promote independence and self-regulation so that every child can unlock their potential

• Strengthen communication and collaborative skills rooted in love and respect

• Encourage responsibility, stewardship and care for the environment as global citizens

Through hands-on, experiential learning, pupils build perseverance, manage risk safely and strengthen collaboration and communication skills. They learn responsibility, stewardship and care for the environment, developing as thoughtful global citizens prepared for the wider world.

In Early Years and Pre-School, Forest School strongly supports the Characteristics of Effective Learning, enabling children to play and explore, actively engage and think critically in a rich outdoor setting.

How does our school's vision and values shape Forest School?