Freedom Forest School is a community interest company, set up in 2021 after the Covid 19 outbreak. Our mission is to facilitate nature connection for physical and mental wellbeing for our local community.
We are based in a privately owned woodland in the village of Bidford-on-Avon where we run regular stay and play sessions, an after school club, home educators groups and holiday clubs for children of all ages.
We also run adult workshops and team building days for businesses.
Whatever the Weather
At Forest school we believe that experiencing all kinds of weather helps to build resilience and an appreciation for the changing seasons.
Please keep an eye on the weather and dress accordingly.
However we do not operate if there are electrical storms or wind gusts over 30mph.
If your session or birthday party is cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions, we will reschedule.
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What is Forest School?
Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term programme that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.
Forest School has a developmental ethos shared by thousands of trained practitioners around the world, who are constantly developing their learning styles and skills to support new and imaginative learners. Its roots reach back to the open-air culture, friluftsliv, or free air life, seen as a way of life in Scandinavia where Forest School began. It arrived in the UK in 1993 and has grown from strength to strength.
The process helps and facilitates more than knowledge-gathering, it helps learners develop socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and intellectually. It creates a safe, non-judgemental nurturing environment for learners to try out new things.
Forest School inspires a deep and meaningful connection to the world and an understanding of how a learner fits within it.
With support from our experienced forest school leaders, learners constantly expand on their abilities by solving real-world issues, building self-belief and resilience.
Meet the Team
All of our staff are fully DBS checked and Claire and Emma-Jane both hold Forest School first aid qualifications.
What to wear to Forest School
Long-sleeved t-shirt, to prevent scratches or stings.
Comfortable long trousers, to prevent scratches or stings
Waterproof and comfortable wellies or outdoor boots are essential.
No open-toed footwear.
A puddle suit is a great addition to your forest school kit.
In cold or wet weather wear waterproofs,
warm jogging bottoms,
a hat, gloves, and a warm coat.
Don’t forget to layer up! You can always remove items if needed.
In warm or sunny weather, keep shoulders covered, wear a sunhat
and sun cream.