Forest School Skills

To develop physical resilience, risk assessment, and outdoor skills through forest school activities.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Physical Development
• Learning area: Physical Development
• Level: EYFS Reception

Objectives

• Uses outdoor tools safely
• Navigates uneven terrain
• Assesses risk independently
• Shows physical resilience

Materials

• Woodland or outdoor area
• Logs, branches, and natural materials
• Child-safe whittling tools (supervised)
• Fire circle equipment

Instructions

TEACHING TOOL USE: Peelers for stick whittling, bow saws (closely supervised), loppers. 'Blood bubble — create a space around you bigger than your tool!'

MANAGING RISK: Forest school involves real risk — heights, tools, fire proximity. Teach children to assess risk themselves: 'Is this branch strong enough to stand on?'

BUILDING RESILIENCE: Outdoor learning in all weathers builds physical and emotional resilience. 'There's no bad weather, only bad clothing!'

DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE: Let children attempt tasks independently. Climbing trees, crossing streams, carrying heavy logs — supervised independence builds confidence.

More from EYFS Physical Development

• Clay Modelling and Sculpting
• Playground Games — Traditional
• Pinching and Rolling Small Balls
• Cooperative Movement Challenges
• Healthy Eating Choices Workshop
• Rope Climbing and Swinging
• Calligraphy and Decorative Writing
• Balance Bike to Pedal Bike Transition