Thursday 9th February 2023
Dear Parents and Carers of Orchid Class,
RE: Orchid Class – Forest School, Group A
Forest School for all mainstream Reception children will be starting next half term, after the half term holiday.
Each class is split into two groups for Forest School; Group A and Group B. One group will go to Forest School each week. The groups will take turns, so that all children will go to Forest School every other week.
Your child is in Group A. Here are the Forest School dates for Orchid Class Group A:
| Spring Term Forest School Dates |
| Friday 24th February |
| Tuesday 7th March |
| Tuesday 21st March |
| Summer Term Forest School Dates |
| Friday 21st April |
| Tuesday 2nd May |
| Tuesday 16th May |
Forest School happens in all weathers (rain or shine) and because the children are encouraged to explore our outdoor site for themselves (e.g. digging, making mud pies, hunting for sticks or building shelters etc.), they are likely to get a bit mucky. In order for children to take a full and active part, they must be adequately clothed.
On the days that your child is taking part in Forest School, please ensure that they come to school dressed in:
- Long sleeved T-shirt / top, trousers, socks, and an extra sweater/sweat-shirt if it is cold
And that they bring to school:
- Wellington (rubber) boots or suitable outdoor shoes in a named bag, spare socks, waterproof jacket and gloves if it is cold.
If you do not have any of these, please let us know as we can arrange to have spare sets of these items available. The school will provide waterproof trousers, but if you have your own it would be helpful if children could bring these too.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions about Forest School then please do not hesitate to talk to Mr Murray or your child’s class teacher after school.
Best Wishes,
The Reception team
Forest School Outdoor Learning at Kelvin Grove Primary School
In Reception and Year 1 at Kelvin Grove, your child will have the opportunity to attend a series of regular Forest School sessions delivered by a qualified Forest School Leader.
Forest School is a highly successful approach to learning that allows children the freedom to explore and experience the outdoors. It makes use of a natural environment to support the development of vital learning behaviours that children need in order to thrive in the classroom and throughout their lifelong learning journeys.
Forest School is special because children are out in all seasons and weathers, following their curiosity, assessing risks and discovering for themselves what they can do with their hands. The sessions are managed and guided by a qualified Forest School leader who allows each child to learn from what they find and in their own way. The infinite variety that comes from a natural and often unpredictable outdoor learning environment provides children with a range of experiences that stimulate creative thinking, develop problem-solving and build their physical skills.
Research has shown that Forest School is a very effective way for children:
- to develop self-esteem and to build self-confidence,
- to form positive relationships with others,
- to develop a growing awareness of their emotional needs and the needs of others,
- to learn to co-operate and work with their peers and adults,
- to develop strategies in order to take risks within safe boundaries.
Kelvin Grove offers this exciting approach to all children in Reception and Year 1 using a prepared and managed site on the school premises.
If you have any questions about Forest School or if you would like to be more involved and assist as a volunteer helper at one or more of our regular Forest School sessions, then please contact Mr Murray or your child’s class teacher.
