The Forest School Ethos

Our forest school at Lugwardine is influenced by Scandinavian practices and our school values.  Our children are encouraged to take risks, be independent and care for their environment. At Lugwardine, we believe that forest school improves children’s mental health and wellbeing.

We believe that is important to have a go and take risks. Children are encouraged to take part in small achievable tasks and are encouraged to collaborate with each other. We believe forest school is for all children and that their self-esteem and confidence will grow from taking part in forest school. We believe that children should be allowed to be creative, and have the opportunity to showcase their ideas.

The Principles of Forest School

1. Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits. The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
2. Forest School takes place in a natural or woodland environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
4. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.

The Countryside Code:

• Respect everyone – keep to the paths
• Do not feed wild animals
• Be kind and share the space
• Keep to paths and follow the signs
• Protect the environment – leave no traces of your visit, do not litter, care for nature
• Only light fires in designated areas
• Enjoy the outdoors – plan your visit and route
• Check your route and local conditions
• Check the weather
• Check rights and permissions
• Know countryside symbols

Our Vision Statement

At Lugwardine Primary Academy we develop children as resilient learners who have the knowledge, understanding and skills to be responsible and effective members of their community.​

The curriculum we teach will enable our learners to be confident members of both their local community and the wider world. The children will leave Lugwardine Primary passionate about their beliefs and equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their full potential.​

Our curriculum is designed to inspire, support and include. We believe that by developing the whole child, pupils will learn to transfer the skills and knowledge across different settings and circumstances. We believe all children benefit from a range of learning opportunities and seek to develop their experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

Our Forest School Rules

• Stay within the blue rope boundaries. If you would like to explore further, ask an adult to go with you.
• Always stay in sight of an adult.
• Do not lick anything or put anything in your mouth while in the forest school areas.
• Respect and protect our forest school area. [Do not take too much from nature. Do not pick more than the trees can take. Check the tree is strong enough for the task. Allows areas to recover and grow. Do not litter.]
• Ensure you are safe and protecting the people around you. [Ensure you drag long branches and sticks covering the end with your thumb to avoid poking anybody. When carrying small sticks make sure your thumb is over the end and it is pointing towards the ground. Ensure only one person is climbing the tree. Do not climb higher than the adult watching. Ensure there are 4 people carrying the pallet. Asking an adult before you climb a tree.]
• Plan ahead and be prepared! Be mindful of the season and your impact.
• Enjoy yourself!