St Peter's Church of England Primary Academy Mansfield
Forest School
Forest School at St Peter's C of E Primary Academy Mansfield
At St Peter's CofE Primary Academy Mansfield, we believe in nurturing every child’s potential through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Our Forest School programme plays a vital role in this, offering pupils from EYFS to Year 6 the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in our extensive school grounds. As a Church of England school, we are committed to living out our vision of “Loving, living and learning with Jesus” by fostering resilience, independence, and teamwork in a supportive, natural setting.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a weekly outdoor learning experience led by a Level 3 certified Forest School leader. It is designed to connect children with nature while developing key life skills that reflect our school’s values. Every child attends Forest School once a week, participating in a rich variety of activities that promote creativity, problem-solving, and self-belief.
Weekly Forest School Sessions
Our timetable ensures that all year groups benefit from Forest School in a structured way:
- Monday: Year 5, Year 3, Year 4
- Tuesday: Year 2, Year 1, Year 6, Elm class
- Wednesday: Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception)
Learning Through Nature
Forest School is an integral part of our curriculum, especially supporting our sustainability education. Pupils learn about the environment and their role in protecting it, fostering a deep respect for God’s creation. Activities include:
- Shelter building
- Tree climbing
- Slackline balancing
- Hammocks
- Mud kitchen exploration
- Safe tool use
- Fire lighting
These practical tasks teach children resilience, risk-taking, teamwork, and independence — all vital skills for their personal development and aligned with our vision of living and learning in faith.
Supporting Every Pupil
We recognise that some pupils may need additional support to access and benefit from Forest School activities. That’s why we run a weekly Forest School intervention group, tailored for a small number of children who benefit from focused guidance and encouragement in this environment.
Why Forest School Matters
Forest School at St Peter’s nurtures the whole child — physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. It provides a unique space where children can build confidence and a strong sense of self-worth, echoing our commitment to loving and living with Jesus by caring for ourselves, each other, and the world around us.