The History of Forest School in land

Reshing the background of Forest School was relatively easy when it came to where it comes from and how, but when I came to researching it locally I initially struggled and it wasn't until I went along to a Green TeachMeet that I got talking to other teachers who opened my eyes to local practice.

Nationally:

In 1993 Bridgwater College, Somerset visited Denmark to learn more about their outdoor activities. It was concluded that children who attended the outdoor sessions were more balanced and socially capable. When Bridgwater College returned to the UK they set up ‘Forest School’, this was the first of its kind in the UK. This has now become widely accepted across the country as a valuable mode of learning for all ages.

1993     Nursey Nurse Practitioners (Bridgewater UK) visited the Danish FS for pre-schools

1995     Bridgewater College:

·         established a Forest School

·         UK practitioners visited and spread the concept

·         BTEC in Forest School

·         Some were private and some were local authorities

·         supported by Forestry Commission – who researched the benefits

2000+   Various LAs (Oxfordshire and Worcestershire)

2003     Open College Network qualification

2002     Network – 1st National Conference – UK definitions of Forest School

2011     Definition and principle built on and FSA established Forestry Commission research

Locally In Stockport:

Forest School in Stockport was a little later than many other parts of the UK. The initial focus was through the Behaviour Support Services (BSS). One of the teachers there, who had a love of the outdoors, undertook the training and linked it to his role in support children with behavioural difficulties. This service has now grown to consist of a team of four qualified Level 3 practitioners who go into schools across the borough. Consequently this has raised the profile of Forest School in the area and there are roughly 15 schools within Stockport who run Forest School programmes, with many more training. BSS Forest School run a termly ‘Skills Share’ session for training and practicing leaders to keep up to date with their skills and to network. Alongside this the Manchester Environmental Education Network facilitates meetings of likeminded people and Green Teach Meets.

BSS: 2009

Nursey Schools using FS approach:

·         Lisburn School 2012

·         Pendlebury Centre – multi-agency provision

Network through Stockport Council: organise meet ups and twilights

St Mary’s CE Reddish – 2 years

Dial Park

Lots of schools get BSS to come in. Small amount of school staff qualified.