At Rydon Primary School, Forest School is a valued part of our curriculum, offering children meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. It helps build confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while also deepening their connection with the natural environment.

Our dedicated Forest School area provides regular sessions led by a trained practitioner, where children explore nature, develop practical skills such as den building and safe tool use, and enjoy a calm, sensory-rich environment that supports emotional well-being and social development. The school garden complements these sessions by giving pupils hands-on experience in growing fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Linked to the curriculum, it supports learning in Science, DT, and PSHE, while also encouraging responsibility, sustainability, and healthy living. Produce grown by pupils is incorporated into our school meals wherever possible.

Forest School sessions this year are scheduled as follows:

• Reception: one session every week
• Years 1–6: three sessions each half term

Your child’s class teacher will contact you with details of when these sessions will take place and advise on appropriate clothing and footwear.

Outdoor learning at Rydon ensures that children thrive through active, practical, and engaging experiences in nature, developing skills and confidence that benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.