ABOUT
ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Hi All, my name is Shona and I am the Founder of Marston Vale Forest School...
I created Marston Vale Forest School back in 2013 after completing my Forest School Leadership Training with Bridgewater College.
After raising my own two boys and working within a school, I wanted to create a safe, yet risky environment for children to discover the natural environment which is how my Forest School journey started. Now 8 years later, I run a number of sessions, and have more children exploring the woodland than ever before.
Child Led
Appreciation
No Walls
No WiFi
WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL
Forest
School is a programme of activities that takes place on a regular basis and provides learning opportunities in an outdoor environment.
Children will enjoy the freedom to explore and experience the natural world in all seasons and in all weathers.
The outdoor environment inspires children to grow in self-esteem, confidence, independence and social skills through small achievable tasks.
They will learn how to risk assess and set boundaries to which they must work within.
As the children grow in confidence they will undertake new experiences and take appropriate risks in a nurturing environment whilst remaining safe and in control.
They will learn about the natural world around them and gain an appreciation for nature which will encourage them to be responsible for the environment in later life.
HISTORY OF FOREST SCHOOL
Forest School originated in Denmark in the 1980’s. It was based on the idea that young children can develop enthusiasm for education through an appreciation of nature and boosted pupils’ confidence, social skills and improved their behaviour.
Forest School was started in this country by a team from Bridgewater College in Somerset where in 1993 they visited Denmark and were inspired by the Danish education system which encouraged learning in the outdoor environment. Since then Bridgewater College has developed training courses for Forest School Leaders to enable them to deliver sessions within their own communities.
MEET THE TEAM
All our leaders at Forest school are qualified level 3 Forest School Leaders, who have outdoor first aid certificates and all our staff have DBS certificates.
Shona
Forest School Leader & Founder
Jo
Forest School Leader & Designer
Ruth
Forest School Leader
Julie
Forest School Assistant
Emma
Volunteer
River
Volunteer
Maggie
Resident pooch