Having taken part in a fun-packed and wonderfully interesting inset day in Forest Skills the staff team are able to support the children to engage fully with the outdoor environment, understand the huge benefits of outdoor play for children and learn the rudiments of Forest School* and how it fits into The Early Years Foundation Curriculum.

Armed with a breadth of outdoor play ideas, games and activities taken from this Forest Skills workshop, Brue Farm Day Nursery is committed to include Forest Skills in its flexible daily routine with the children.

The children will have the opportunity during their time at nursery to engage in, and work with, natural resources and make the most of the outdoor environment.  Activities include:

  • Enjoy exploring and learning about gardening skills in our nursery garden
  • Engaging in a series of games and activities which will encourage children to discover what is living in the nursery’s grounds, how they survive their importance
  • A series of activities to enhance children’s play and encourage the children to explore their outdoor environment – many activities are spring-boards for further child-led play and adventures
  • Campfire cooking/Storm kettle

The aim for *Forest School is that participating children will take part in a variety of activities which reflect the rhythms and changes of the seasons which help them to develop:

  • Self Awareness

  • Self Regulation

  • Intrinsic Motivation

  • Empathy

  • Good social communication skills

  • Independence

  • A positive mental attitude, self-esteem and confidence

Playing in natural spaces enhance communication, neural development and social skills whilst also offering possibilities for risk taking, different ways of moving, construction of special spaces and endless amounts of creativity, inspiration and spontaneity.