Forest School

Forest School is an inspirational process, where ALL learners are made to feel equal, unique and valued. They are offered regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. The pace and atmosphere is relaxed; children have freedom to explore and discover, initiate and drive their own learning, often needing to recognise and take appropriate risks, work together, solve problems and build resilience. In addition, they have lots of time to develop a strong, positive relationship with the natural world and to learn new skills.

Lutley is a Green Flag Eco-School, so has for many years had a strong environmental focus. The inclusion of Forest School in our EYFS and Keystage 1 curriculum has given us a whole new way to help children learn and develop, complementing class-based topics as well reflecting all our school values. The year-round programmes are delivered by two trained members of staff and our Forest School site is well-managed and risk-assessed but also wonderfully special with lots of wildlife. Children love their afternoons at Forest School. Together, we witness magical moments, share discoveries, grow in confidence and find new abilities.

Farm School

Farm School is an outdoor learning project for our year 3 pupils, with regular sessions held throughout the summer, in our sunny, sheltered allotment area behind the Teaching Hub.

Children have the opportunity to :

• Work in teams to complete tasks, practising important teamwork and problem-solving skills
• Use tools safely to prepare the allotment, sow a variety of seeds and care for the plants as they grow
• Take part in group activities, quizzes and games at each session to expand knowledge 
• Learn (by observation) how plants grow and produce the fruit and vegetables that we enjoy
• Discover the importance of bees in the pollination of many of our crops
• Find out about and put into practice the techniques of composting and organic gardening
• Follow the annual cycle of fruit production by observing the apple and pear trees on the school field and fruit vines and canes in the allotment
• Learn how to care for animals, by taking turns to tend to our chickens
• Enjoy the ‘fruits of their labours’ by harvesting, preparing and sharing the produce
• Through class discussion, develop an awareness of the many benefits of growing some of our own food, for our health, wellbeing and our impact on the environment