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:
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Describing what they see, smell, hear and feel
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Engaging in collaborative problem-solving
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Asking questions about nature
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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)
2. Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSED)
Forest School is one of the strongest drivers of PSED in EYFS because it:
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Builds resilience through risk-taking
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Encourages perseverance (“I can climb higher”, “I can balance on this log”)
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Supports emotional regulation through sensory nature experiences
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Promotes confidence and independence
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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/
3. Physical Development
Every Forest School session develops fine and gross motor skills through:
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Climbing
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Balancing
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Carrying and dragging natural materials
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Digging
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Tool use (with supervision)
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Building structures
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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:
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Nature-themed storytelling
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Mark-making with mud, charcoal and sticks
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Listening games
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Environmental sounds for Phase 1 phonics
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Vocabulary-rich discussions
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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:
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Sorting leaves, sticks and stones
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Counting natural objects
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Shape and pattern spotting
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Measuring stick lengths
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Estimating distances
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Creating repeating patterns using natural materials
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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:
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Learning about plants, animals and seasonal changes
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Observing weather patterns
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Understanding habitats and ecosystems
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Exploring soil, mud, water and natural materials
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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:
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Natural crafts
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Mud painting
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Stick and stone sculpting
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Charcoal drawing
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Hapa Zome (leaf printing)
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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:
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Child-led learning
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Exploration
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Independence
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Play
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Physical activity
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Emotional wellbeing
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Social development
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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/