In a rapidly changing world, we are now more than ever striving to become more environmentally conscious and promote the health and well-being of all young people. Here at The Dales Federation of Primary Schools, our vision is to develop each individual and guide them in building a positive relationship with the natural world through a tailored Forest School Programme. We are invested in the holistic development of each child and aim to create positive learning experiences by allowing children time and space to initiate their own learning, outside the constraints of a classroom.

Our aim is to foster independence, develop language and communication skills, increase levels of physical activity and emotional well-being and provide opportunities for children to manage their own risks and develop skills that will aid them in every area of their life. We want children to become confident and capable individuals, through discovery, exploration and the richness of enlightening experiences in our beautiful outdoor setting.

“The best classroom is roofed only by the sky” Margaret McMillan (1919)

Forest School Policy.pdf

Forest School Policy

Approval Date: February 2023

Review Date: Febraury 2024


World Book Day


As part of world book day the children all went to the 'forest'. There they used their senses to find the 'magic in the forest' and completed a scavenger hunt to emersed them in the environment. This was then compared to the story all the school shared  - 'The Tower' written by the current Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho.

Nursery have absolutely loved their weekly trips to the forest. We started by investigating the forest and what it has there.  We collected a variety of natural materials and started to understand how to look after forest and be safe when we are learning here.  We played a game of hide the ladybird, we looked for minibeasts and we even found a den!  

Science in the Woods - Peak class enjoying team building games, learning about the parts of a plant and taking part in Hapa Zome (leaf dye printing). 

Forest School at Bradley. Such a beautiful space to learn on the school grounds. 

Forest School at Brailsford, we are fortunate to have this beautiful area available just a short walk from school.