Forest School and Outdoor Learning

At Elmhurst, we recognise the powerful impact that learning outside the classroom can have on children’s wellbeing, behaviour and engagement. Our outdoor learning curriculum is designed to develop resilience and create a love of nature by providing meaningful opportunities for children to connect with nature, develop confidence and build a strong sense of community.

We are incredibly fortunate to have access to our own Forest School, which offers a safe and inspiring environment where children can immerse themselves in nature, take part in a wide range of outdoor and nature-based activities, and develop a love for the world they are living in. Learning outside the classroom supports children’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, while promoting curiosity, resilience and independence.

Our outdoor learning ethos places nature at the heart of learning. Children are encouraged to spend time outdoors in a variety of settings and weather conditions, fostering adaptability and respect for the natural environment. Sessions are inclusive and non-competitive, enabling all pupils to take part fully and experience success. Safety is prioritised through careful risk assessment, while children are supported to take increasing responsibility for their own personal safety.

Through collaborative activities, children strengthen relationships, develop empathy and learn to care for one another and the natural world. 

Our EYFS and Year 1 children learn outside every single day; the curriculum has been designed to give pupils the opportunity to access our wonderful outside spaces.  Children in EYFS also take part in weekly 'Awe and Wonder' walks where they have the opportunity to explore the wider school grounds too and investigate how nature changes over time.  

All pupils in Year 3 take part in fortnightly Forest School sessions with our fully qualified Forest School Leaders.  Each session encourages compassion, environmental responsibility and sustainability, alongside the development of practical bushcraft skills such as fire-making, knot-tying, shelter-building and woodwork.  

Through learning outside the classroom, we prepare children for the future by nurturing confident, resilient learners who value teamwork, wellbeing and their role in protecting the world around them.