It’s been a long journey (and still is) but finally we made it; we started our Forest School at Rebecca Cheetham!

Before even launching the project we had to go through rigorous training, prepare paperwork, plan, talk through ideas and a lot of organisation but finally everything came to life.

We have only had three sessions but the children are already buzzing for it. The anticipation for the sessions now is tangible! The excitement in the morning is clear and getting the children ready with their waterproof clothing in the conservatory seems like preparing astronauts getting ready for a moon landing.

When we finally leave the school walking, it feels like an adventure for the children as we are walking to our special place. Usually on the way to the site in West Ham Park the children are very loud, however, on the way back, they are quieter; mainly because every Forest School session is intense and full of wonders!

As soon we arrive in the park the children are already start questioning about the world around them, but it is only really when we arrive to the base camp that they feel like they have stepped into a new dimension. You can perceive they feel Forest School as their special place and they find themselves totally immersed in nature. They know they are free to explore and to use all their senses. They also know the rules which are few but paramount: “No pick, No lick, Be careful how you carry a stick” and “123 back to me” to get back to the case camp.

The children can experience the Forest School in different ways. They can explore the site on their own because sometimes children need their own time or if they want the adults are always there to support and to advise them. During the sessions they enjoy observing bugs, worms and little frogs using their coloured magnifying glasses. These children are brave and not afraid to hold some of the little creatures found in our forest. Sometimes they use tweezers to put something in bug pots for a short time to observe all sort of flora or fauna. They like to get messy making and mixing mud. In Forest school they are able to touch, to hear, to watch and to smell the natural environment. And of course they constantly ask questions about the world around them. They like climbing logs and exploring what is in their Forest.

These little explorers can really turn risks into benefits making their choices and feeling empowered. They are constantly amazed while they are learning to be independent and confident. The adults joining the sessions are enjoying the sessions too; we all are learning and we all are astonished by the simple complexity of nature. Our Forest School is a safe place where children and adults can connect with nature once again.A big thank you to all the members of staff and parents/carers who jumped on board making Forest School possible!