Here at Tyntesfield we are continually developing our provision to give time and space for children to learn outside of the classroom. Making these changes has occurred over a period of time, as a result of much dedication to developing an outdoor curriculum which truly enriches each child’s learning experience. We believe that outdoor learning is an important and indeed an entitlement for children to experience here at Tyntesfield as part of their education. Going outside is not a treat and not simply play for children. There is a vast bank of scientific evidence, which has proven the benefits that outdoor learning provides for children (and indeed adults too). This handbook explores some of this evidence and links this to the expected outcomes for Tyntesfield pupils.

Our journey began with a desire to fully utilise our extensive and nature-rich outdoor environment, which includes; a nature trail; wide variety of tree species; wild flowers; and shaded areas, perfect for campfire making. The introduction of employing a Forest School trained member of staff to lead this work has been essential, so as to provide a passionate and skilled team to work alongside teaching staff within the school.

Woody Wanderers

Forest school is an outdoor learning experience, which gives children, young people and adults the opportunity to develop skills, confidence and independence using a woodland setting. At Tyntesfield, we have adopted a Forest School approach, our sessions are called Woody Wanderers.

Forest Schools refers to a style of teaching that has its roots in Scandinavia, where children spend time outside in a woodland environment engrossed in hands on, child led learning experiences. Our fantastic outdoor environment facilitates a wide range of learning opportunities to appeal to many different learning styles, and at Tyntesfield our Woody Wanderer sessions, enable the learner to develop in personal skills, increase in self-confidence and self-awareness, build resilience, improve communication, understand risk-taking and problem solve. Our children are also encouraged and inspired during these sessions through learning in the outdoor environment, to appreciate and respect the natural environment.

'Woody Wanderers' has become an embedded aspect of our curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Year 6 and our Woody Wanderer sessions are developed according to individual needs of the participants, enabling everyone to succeed. All children in Nursery to Year 1 spend half a day a week, in our woods, engaging in a wide range of exciting, stimulating and challenging activities. Year 2 to Year 6 sessions are led by our Level 3 qualified Forest School practitioner Mrs Gilmore, during which the children develop and build on their personal, social and technical skills over a series of afternoon sessions.

Using methods of self-directed play and activities, the children are given the space to explore, experience and grow as both individuals and as a group. Some activities are planned, others emerge or evolve from the children’s imagination and play, but unlike traditional outdoor learning. Forest School takes place over a long-term period at regular intervals. We adhere to:

6 Principles of Forest School as laid out by the Forest School Association:

1. FS1 is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
2. FS2 takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. FS3 uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
4. FS4 aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
5. FS5 offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
6. FS6 is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

Mrs Gilmore
Forest School Specialist

What does a Woody Wanderer session look like?

During a series of Woody Wanderer sessions, the range of activities can vary as they are child led, reflecting the interests of children and where they are currently developmentally. However, a typical set of sessions could include:

• Den building
• Making and using rope swings
• Making and using bow and arrows
• Campfire cooking
• Fire building and lighting
• Tree climbing
• Using a range of outdoor tools

What do the children wear?

"THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER ONLY UNSUITABLE CLOTHING" Alfred Wainwright

Essential for every session:

• A waterproof coat with a hood.
• Waterproof trousers
• Wellies

Extras for cold weather (October - April)

• Gloves, Hat.
• Thick socks to wear inside wellies.
• If your waterproof coat is thin, an old fleece or sweater to wear underneath.

REMEMBER - All the clothing and footwear will get very wet and muddy.

Waterproofs can be bought from camping and outdoor shops. Bargain ones or second hand ones are fine and can often be found on our PTA swap shop facebook page! Sometimes supermarkets sell them; especially Aldi and Lidl at certain times of year. Supermarket wellies, hats and gloves are fine.

Please mark everything with the owner's name. All thirty pairs of waterproof trousers look the same.