Forest School

The Dane Bank Forest School’s mission is to provide long-term access to the natural world for all children and inspire the next generation to look after our world. It offers a unique opportunity for children to learn and grow in the great outdoors. The site provides a range of activities including an outdoor nursery, home-education programmes, SEND & SEMH provision as well as holiday clubs for parent and baby sessions.

Kids Go Wild provides a space where children can run free, make new discoveries, and learn all about how to respect nature and wildlife. They are proud to be inclusive and welcoming of children of all backgrounds and abilities.

A children’s forest school offers numerous benefits, contributing to the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children. Here are some key features:

  • Connection to Nature: Helping children develop a strong connection to nature, fostering environmental awareness and stewardship from a young age. This connection can instil a lifelong appreciation for the environment and conservation efforts.
  • Physical Health: Activities promoting physical fitness and health. Children engage in outdoor play, climbing, and exploring, which enhance their motor skills, strength, coordination, and overall physical wellbeing.
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing: Being in nature has proven benefits for mental health, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. The serene and stimulating environment of a forest school can improve mood and emotional resilience.
  • Enhanced Learning: A forest school provides hands-on, practical learning opportunities. Children learn through direct interaction with their environment, which can enhance understanding and retention of academic subjects such as science, maths, and geography.
  • Creativity and Imagination: The natural environment stimulates creativity and imaginative play. Children use natural materials to build, create, and invent, encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Social Skills: The forest school encourage teamwork, cooperation, and communication. Children work together on projects, navigate challenges, and support each other, fostering social skills and building strong relationships.
  • Independence and Confidence: The challenges and adventures in the forest school setting help children develop independence and self-confidence. They learn to take calculated risks, make decisions, and trust their abilities.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: Exposure to changing weather conditions and natural environments teaches children resilience and adaptability. They learn to cope with discomfort, solve problems, and persist through challenges.
  • Sensory Development: The rich sensory experiences provided by a forest school – touching different textures, listening to natural sounds, observing wildlife – enhance sensory development and perception.
  • Academic Performance: Studies have shown that children who participate in forest schools often perform better academically. The skills and knowledge gained through outdoor learning can complement traditional classroom education, leading to improved academic outcomes.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Children who attend forest schools are more likely to develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment. This early exposure to nature can lead to environmentally conscious behaviour and a commitment to sustainability in adulthood.

Overall, our children’s forest school provides a holistic approach to education, nurturing the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of children in a natural, engaging, and supportive environment

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Address

Dane Bank Green Space,
Windsor Fields,
off Windsor Road,
Denton