A Calm and Creative Oasis – Forest Nurture at RAPS

Pupils from Key Stage 2 visit the Newington Copse where they experience a variety of activities including den building, learning whittling skills, cutting wood with bow saws and building fires.

RAPS Forest School Leader Jess Barnes commented: “We come to Forest School in all weathers and the children can experience the impact of the seasons on the environment.”

She has been running successful sessions for younger pupils for several years and now the benefits are being enjoyed by the older age group.

In collaboration with Vicki Elliott, RAPS Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, the new project was set up this year aimed at those who experience anxiety about going to school and being in a classroom environment.

 

She said: “The positive impact being in nature and accessing green spaces has on mental health is well documented. Mental health charity Mind ( www.mind.org) cite the benefits as mood improving, helping to reduce stress and prompting feelings of calm; ideas which are supported by the ethos of Forest School which is founded on the principal of creating resilient, confident , independent , creative learners who have a relationship with the natural world.”

Visiting parents were intrigued to find out more about life among the trees and were compensated for venturing out in the cold with a toasted marshmallow and a hot chocolate, prepared over the fire

Feedback from parents is overwhelmingly supportive. One commented: “This has been an absolute blessing for my child. It’s the highlight of her week. She has loved all of it.

“She especially enjoyed the hot chocolate, making popcorn on a fire, learning new skills, finding out about her outdoor environment, making huts and making sure they’re weatherproof.”

Another parent highlighted the positive impact Forest School is having for their child. “He is excited to go to school on days he has Forest School as he doesn't enjoy it as much on the other days.

“Many people inside and outside of school say that he seems calmer, more focused and generally more content since starting forest school. He seems more engaged at school as well and is better at regulating his emotions. This may be because Forest

School has made him a bit more open-minded to the idea of school being a positive and fun place”

 

Children taking part enjoy the experience. One Year 4 pupil said “I like the freedom of it”, while a Year 5 child summed up the whole experience and said: “I love Forest School - I would do it all day if I could.”

Due to the success of this project RAPS is hoping to extend the initiative to more children across the school.

*There has been a significant rise in the number of children experiencing Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA) which is described by the Kent Local Authority as ‘a broad umbrella term used to describe a group of children and young people who experience significant and enduring challenges in attending school due to emotional factors, mainly feelings of fear and anxiety.’

**Ramsgate Arts Primary is a member of the Viking Academy Trust together with partner schools Upton Juniors in Broadstairs and Chilton Primary in Ramsgate.