A very autumnal day saw the arrival of a small group of children and adults from various schools from within the GSP network to begin an exploration of the forest school site at Longlevens Infant School, for the first of three sessions.  The initiative was intended to be for children who were having difficulty managing their emotions and/or behaviour, and who would benefit from a confidence-boost and one-to-one time with their teaching partner in a different, positive situation.  

Activities were arranged throughout the site, hammocks were hung, books were out and of course, the seasonally-appropriate autumnal pumpkin crafting was ready. This was extremely popular and worked well as an ‘ice breaker’, helping the children to become slightly more comfortable in the unfamiliar environment.

The following two sessions built upon observations from the first, not only of the group as a whole,  but for individual children as well, after listening to their own desires of what they wanted to do.  Small-achievable tasks played a role in helping to develop confidence, communication, experience of working as a group and individual resilience. There were mini ‘bug hotels’ built, children worked with clay, could have a go at willow weaving, pond dipping, and safe fire-lighting, as well as using their physical skills and own risk management in swinging/relaxing in the hammocks, tree climbing, rope swings and kite flying.

These sessions were not only about our younger members, but it was also a wonderful opportunity for their accompanying adult to see their child in a different environment and develop the working relationship they have at school. It also meant that the adults could speak with other people in a similar role, share experiences, and gain ideas, whilst also having a go at the activities around them.

Even though these sessions were across just 3 weeks, the impacts were demonstrable. Children, who were apprehensive about communicating with new people, began engaging with other peers/adults. Some children actively worked with others and low self-esteem was gradually starting to build by completing small tasks, even being able to sit and concentrate for longer periods of time whilst engaging in activities.

Being child-led was particularly important for this initiative, giving children the freedom to learn at their own pace and style in a natural environment - even when it was raining. Stress and anxiety levels were noticeably reduced.

The GSP deems this initiative to have been a success and would be keen to offer this again in the future. Thanks are extended to Lisa Smith for devising and running the sessions and to Longlevens Infant School for hosting.