Name: Out in the Sticks Forest School
Address: Unity Woods, Brookledge Lane Out In The Sticks, Adlington
Telephone: 07908 230043

Here at Out in the Sticks Forest School, in Adlington, near Macclesfield, we harness the

principles of Forest School to provide children with enriching and transformative outdoor experiences. Our learner-led approach fosters confidence, creativity, and independence through exploration and play.

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About Out in the Sticks Forest School

We use the principles of Forest School to ensure that children and young people can access a broad range of activities and experiences. These learner-led and learner-centred approaches allow them to develop through play, exploration, and making their own choices about learning experiences.

Research shows that this method empowers learners, builds confidence, and supports their social, emotional, and physical development.

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“The Six Principles of Forest School”

Forest School (FS) is based around six principles and criteria that promote good practice. These were agreed by the forest school community in 2011 and continue to be relevant in forest school settings today. Please find these principles described below along with how they relate to our Forest School here at Out in the Sticks.

Long-term

Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one off visit.

Here at Out in the Sticks learners attend regular sessions at one of our sites.
Each session is planned, but dynamically assessed and modified as the learners make decisions about their session.
During each sessions regular alterations and improvements are made based on how the learners interact with the session and with one another.

Natural environment

Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of the relationship between the child and the natural world.

At Out in the Sticks, we have access to several sites for Forest School. Our main site is in Adlington and is a large woodland.
This area has lots of trees (another 100 recently planted), lots of bushes and shrubs and lots of flora.

Nurturing Growth Through Exploration

Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering independent, resilient, confident and creative learners.

During each session at Forest School, learners are asked to complete activities that encourage confidence and creativity.
Learners are also encouraged to make decisions about their session and their progression, this encourages; resilience, independence and confidence.

Empowering Learners Through Risk

Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Forest school activities are covered by a general risk assessment to supervise the use of tools and equipment.

The learners at Out in the Sticks:

Have been supported to use garden tools, to use woodworking tools and to explore new areas with significant undergrowth where walking has been challenging.
Are excited to be able to use the fire area.
Will have the opportunity to use knives and saws to craft and create a variety of projects, as they choose.

Learner-Centred Growth

Forest School uses a range of learner centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

Whilst each session is planned, Out in the Sticks Forest School operates a learner-led approach.

Learners are presented with activities and goals to achieve during the session, however the session can be modified by the learners, as and when they discuss and elaborate on ideas.

Play and Choice are key aspects of Forest School and something we feel strongly about promoting in these sessions at Out in the Sticks. To this end, each session has an element of free choice, where learners that struggle to independently deviate from the prescribed plan are encouraged to choose their own activity for a little while at the end of the session.

Guided by Skilled Practitioners

Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continually maintain and develop their professional practice.

Out in the Sticks Forest School is operated by Mark Herring, Level 3 Forest School Leader. Mark is supported by Alisha and Kiana, who both have experience in Forest School and are taking steps to becoming Forest School leaders.
They have significant experience in education, in SEN and specifically in teaching in outdoor learning.
Mark Herring currently works in Forest School in several other settings, broadening their knowledge and experience further.
Forest School leaders are qualified in Paediatric and Adult First Aid and Forestry First Aid.
Forest School Leaders are continually looking to develop their practice and undertake additional training.