Forest School has become one of the most impactful and child-centred approaches used in Early Years settings across the UK. While outdoor learning is already a key part of the EYFS framework, Forest School goes deeper—offering children long-term, child-led experiences in natural spaces that support the full breadth of EYFS development goals.
In this guide, we break down exactly how Forest School supports EYFS learning, why this approach is so powerful, and how teachers and parents can embed Forest School principles into everyday practice.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a long-term, child-led, play-centred approach that takes place in natural environments.
Its aim is to build confidence, resilience, communication skills, independence and emotional wellbeing through hands-on exploration.
If you’re new to Forest School, our blog below offers a helpful beginner’s guide:
What Is a Forest School? A Complete Guide for Beginners
(You can add your existing link here once live.)
For Forest School activities, resources and training, visit:
Outdoor Learning Resources – https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/
Forest School Courses & Training – https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
How Forest School Supports EYFS Development Goals
Forest School naturally aligns with the EYFS framework because it gives children real, meaningful experiences that link directly with developmental needs. Below is a breakdown of how each EYFS area benefits.
1. Communication and Language
Forest School environments encourage children to communicate authentically:
Describing what they see, smell, hear and feel
Engaging in collaborative problem-solving
Asking questions about nature
Using new vocabulary such as “moss”, “habitat”, “camouflage”, “texture”
Activities such as den building, fire circles, team challenges, and nature storytelling boost language naturally because children are motivated to share ideas.
Helpful resource:
Early Years Outdoor Teaching Pack (insert link if available)
Looking for more knowledgable insights from our talent teachers? Head to the Early Years Activities Hub for more support.
2. Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSED)
Forest School is one of the strongest drivers of PSED in EYFS because it:
Builds resilience through risk-taking
Encourages perseverance (“I can climb higher”, “I can balance on this log”)
Supports emotional regulation through sensory nature experiences
Promotes confidence and independence
Encourages teamwork and empathy
A child who is anxious indoors often thrives outside. The natural environment gives them room to move, freedom to explore and reduced sensory overload.
Try this:
Explore our SEND & Behaviour Support Outdoor Training:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
For more expert specific support head to our Early Years Activities Hub.
3. Physical Development
Every Forest School session develops fine and gross motor skills through:
Climbing
Balancing
Carrying and dragging natural materials
Digging
Tool use (with supervision)
Building structures
Crafting with sticks, mud and leaves
Children strengthen muscles, coordination and core stability far more outdoors than inside a classroom.
Helpful resource:
Outdoor Activity Downloads:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/
4. Literacy
Forest School supports literacy in a meaningful, sensory way:
Nature-themed storytelling
Mark-making with mud, charcoal and sticks
Listening games
Environmental sounds for Phase 1 phonics
Vocabulary-rich discussions
Creating story trails in the woods
These experiences make literacy fun and active, especially for reluctant writers.
For more structured support, try our Outdoor English & SPAG Specialist Course:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
5. Mathematics
Nature provides endless mathematical opportunities:
Sorting leaves, sticks and stones
Counting natural objects
Shape and pattern spotting
Measuring stick lengths
Estimating distances
Creating repeating patterns using natural materials
Building dens with accurate dimensions
Hands-on, real-world maths is much more engaging and meaningful for EYFS children.
Explore our Outdoor Maths Specialist Course for more ideas:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
6. Understanding the World
Forest School is the best possible environment for children to make sense of the world:
Learning about plants, animals and seasonal changes
Observing weather patterns
Understanding habitats and ecosystems
Exploring soil, mud, water and natural materials
Respecting nature through sustainable practice
These experiences build scientific thinking and early geography knowledge.
See our Outdoor Science Specialist Course:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
7. Expressive Arts and Design
Forest School fosters creativity through:
Natural crafts
Mud painting
Stick and stone sculpting
Charcoal drawing
Hapa Zome (leaf printing)
Role-play in dens and woodland spaces
Outdoor creativity feels free, uninhibited and exploratory—exactly what young children need.
Find art-based resources here:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/
Why Forest School Works So Well for EYFS
Forest School supports everything the EYFS values:
Child-led learning
Exploration
Independence
Play
Physical activity
Emotional wellbeing
Social development
Real experiences
The natural world is the perfect classroom for children aged 0–5.
Getting Started with Forest School in EYFS
You don’t need a forest or woodland—just a commitment to outdoor learning.
Here are some starting points:
1. Begin with simple outdoor activities
Browse free outdoor resources here:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/
2. Get confident with training
Our entry-level and advanced Forest School & Outdoor Learning courses:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
3. Follow Forest School principles
Child-led, inclusive, holistic, nature-based.
4. Build up sessions gradually
Start with short, fun, sensory-based tasks.
5. Involve parents
Explain the benefits and encourage proper clothing.
Final Thoughts
Forest School is one of the most powerful approaches available for EYFS educators and families. It supports every learning area, deepens children’s connection with nature and nurtures confident, resilient, joyful learners.
Whether you’re a teacher, TA, parent or outdoor practitioner, Forest School will enrich your provision and transform the way children experience learning.
To explore more Forest School ideas and resources, visit:
Outdoor Learning Resources – https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/
Outdoor Training Courses – https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
