Forest School: What It Is, Benefits & Why It Matters

Planning effective outdoor lessons can transform the way children engage with learning. Outdoor lesson plans allow teachers to take curriculum objectives beyond the classroom and create hands-on, meaningful experiences that improve understanding and retention. This page provides a range of outdoor lesson plans and ideas to support teaching across EYFS and KS1.

Outdoor lesson plans don’t need to be complicated. In fact, the most effective lessons often use simple resources and focus on active learning. By taking lessons outside, teachers can provide opportunities for movement, exploration and collaboration, all of which support deeper learning.

One of the main benefits of outdoor lesson plans is increased engagement. Many children who struggle to focus indoors respond positively to outdoor learning. The change of environment, combined with practical activities, helps to capture interest and motivate learners. This can be particularly beneficial for children with additional needs or those who find traditional classroom learning challenging.

Outdoor lessons can be used across the curriculum. In maths, children can explore concepts such as counting, measuring and problem-solving using natural materials. In literacy, outdoor environments provide inspiration for storytelling, descriptive writing and role play. Science lessons can be enhanced through real-world investigations, allowing children to observe and explore natural processes first-hand.

When planning outdoor lessons, it’s important to consider both learning objectives and the environment. Activities should be purposeful and linked to the curriculum, while still allowing for flexibility and child-led exploration. Risk assessments and clear routines also help ensure that outdoor learning is safe and effective.

This page includes a range of outdoor lesson plans designed to save you time and support high-quality teaching. Whether you’re looking for quick activity ideas or structured lessons, these resources will help you deliver engaging outdoor learning experiences that meet curriculum goals.

What is Forest School? 

• Forest School is more than just being outdoors—it is a structured, evidence-based approach to education built around key principles:

  • Regular sessions over time (not one-off visits)
  • Learner-led activities and exploration
  • Supported risk-taking to build resilience
  • A focus on holistic development
  • Strong relationships between learners and practitioners
  • Explore a complete beginner’s guide to Forest School here.

  Activities might include den building, fire lighting (with supervision), tool use, nature crafts, and environmental exploration. Explore our teacher and TA-created ideas to help you explore more:

The Benefits of Forest School

Forest School supports children across multiple areas of development:

 Confidence & Independence

Children are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, make decisions, and try new challenges in a supportive environment.

 Social & Communication Skills

Working together outdoors naturally builds teamwork, communication, and cooperation.

 Physical Development

Climbing, balancing, and exploring uneven terrain helps develop strength, coordination, and motor skills.

 Mental Health & Wellbeing

Time spent in nature is proven to reduce stress and anxiety while improving mood and emotional regulation.

 Creativity & Problem-Solving

Open-ended environments encourage imagination, curiosity, and independent thinking.

Explore ideas for Forest School higher level skills challenges for KS2.

Forest School and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

nForest School is widely recognised as an inclusive approach to learning, making it particularly effective for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The outdoor environment removes many of the barriers found in traditional classrooms. Without the pressure of desks, worksheets, and rigid expectations, children are able to engage in learning in ways that feel natural and accessible to them.

Forest School can be especially beneficial for children with:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• ADHD
• Sensory processing needs
• Speech and language difficulties
• Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs

Activities are typically child-led and adaptable, allowing practitioners to respond to individual interests, needs, and energy levels. This flexibility supports children in developing confidence, communication skills, and independence at their own pace.

The sensory-rich environment—textures, sounds, movement, and space—can also help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety. For many children, this leads to improved focus, engagement, and well-being.

Importantly, Forest School promotes a strengths-based approach. Children are not defined by what they find difficult but are given opportunities to succeed, problem-solve, and build resilience. Head to our SEND Hub for support in your outdoor learning.

👇 We can save you time by downloading our send resources. Browse out thousands of teacher-created outdoor idea packs now. 

Why Forest School Works

Forest School works because it combines experience, freedom, and connection. Unlike traditional classroom settings, it allows children to:

• Learn through doing, not just listening
• Engage all their senses
• Build resilience through managed risk
• Develop at their own pace

Research consistently shows that outdoor, nature-based learning improves engagement, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. Maths in Forest School can be very beneficial to children’s learning in this area. Explore more Forest School Maths Ideas for KS1. 

Forest School Safety

Safety is a fundamental part of Forest School practice, but it is approached in a way that supports learning rather than restricts it.

Rather than eliminating all risks, Forest School uses a “risk-benefit” approach. This means that activities are carefully assessed to ensure that the benefits to children’s development outweigh any potential risks. Explore our Toddler Safety Information for specific support in this age range. 

Key aspects of Forest School safety include:

1. Risk Assessments
All activities and environments are assessed regularly. This includes checking for hazards such as unstable trees, sharp objects, or unsafe weather conditions.

2. Clear Boundaries
Children are taught physical and behavioural boundaries, helping them understand how to stay safe within the space.

3. Trained Practitioners
Forest School leaders are qualified and experienced in outdoor learning, first aid, and risk management.

4. Safety Routines
Consistent routines—such as tool talks, fire circle rules, and safe ways to explore—help children develop awareness and responsibility.

5. Appropriate Clothing and Equipment
Children wear suitable clothing for all weather conditions, ensuring they can participate safely and comfortably.

By involving children in discussions about risk, Forest School helps them develop essential life skills such as decision-making, responsibility, and resilience.

Looking for safety support? We have it all there, ready and waiting for you. Browse now. 

Forest School Curriculum Links 

Forest School can be meaningfully linked to the wider curriculum, supporting learning across a range of subjects while maintaining its child-led ethos. Grab 20 Ideas now to help you take Forest School outdoors with EYFS.

Science

• Exploring habitats, plants, and seasonal change
• Observing wildlife and ecosystems

Maths

• Measuring sticks, counting natural objects
• Estimating, sorting, and pattern-making

English

• Storytelling inspired by nature
• Descriptive writing and vocabulary development

Art & Design

• Natural sculptures, land art, and creative expression

PSHE

• Teamwork, resilience, and emotional regulation

Forest School does not replace the curriculum—it enhances it by providing real-world, hands-on learning experiences that deepen understanding and engagement.

Forest School vs Outdoor Learning

Forest School is often grouped under the wider umbrella of outdoor learning, but the two are not exactly the same. Learn more about the Forest School true principles. 

Outdoor learning refers to any educational activity that takes place outside the traditional classroom. This could include school trips, outdoor lessons, playground activities, or environmental projects.

Forest School, however, is a specific approach to outdoor learning. It is a long-term, child-led programme that focuses on building confidence, independence, and a connection with nature through regular sessions in a natural environment.

Key differences include:

• Approach: Forest School is child-led, while outdoor learning can be more teacher-directed
• Duration: Forest School takes place over repeated sessions, not one-off experiences
• Focus: Forest School prioritises holistic development, not just academic outcomes
• Environment: Forest School usually happens in woodland or natural spaces

Understanding this difference helps schools and educators choose the right approach for their learners. Many settings use both—combining structured outdoor lessons with the deeper, long-term benefits of Forest School.  If it is outdoor learning you want to teach, we also have an extensive teacher-created library for you to access, explore now. 

What Does a Forest School Session Look Like?

A Forest School session follows a flexible structure, designed to balance freedom with safety and routine.

While no two sessions are exactly the same, most include:

1. Welcome and Check-In
Children gather together to discuss the session, revisit boundaries, and share ideas.

2. Exploration and Child-Led Play
This is the core of Forest School. Children choose activities based on their interests—building dens, climbing, creating art, or exploring the environment.

3. Adult Support and Skill Development
Practitioners observe, support, and extend learning where appropriate. This might include introducing tools, fire lighting, or nature-based crafts.

4. Snack or Fire Circle Time
Many sessions include a shared moment for food, stories, or reflection, often around a fire circle.

5. Reflection and Closing
Children come back together to reflect on their experiences, share achievements, and prepare to leave the site safely.

This consistent rhythm helps children feel secure while still allowing for creativity, independence, and discovery. Are you thinking about setting up your own Forest School? Learn more here. 

What Do You Need for Forest School?

One of the strengths of Forest School is that it doesn’t require expensive equipment—but preparation is key.

Clothing (Essential for All Weather Learning)

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Wellies or sturdy outdoor shoes
• Warm layers (hat, gloves in colder months)

Basic Equipment

• Tarpaulin or shelter
• Ropes and pegs
• First aid kit
• Handwashing supplies

Optional Resources

• Tools (e.g. peelers, saws – used under supervision)
• Fire lighting equipment
• Natural materials collected on-site

The most important “resource” in Forest School is the environment itself. Sticks, leaves, mud, and open space provide endless opportunities for outdoor learning and creativity.

Forest School in All Weathers

-A key principle of Forest School is that it takes place in almost all weather conditions.

Learning outdoors across the seasons allows children to experience change first-hand—feeling the crunch of frost, noticing new growth in spring, or exploring muddy, wet environments.

Why this matters:

• Builds resilience and adaptability
• Encourages problem-solving
• Deepens understanding of the natural world

Sessions may be adapted in extreme conditions (such as high winds or storms), but light rain, cold weather, and seasonal changes are all considered valuable learning opportunities.

With the right clothing and preparation, children can remain safe, comfortable, and fully engaged throughout the year. For some free, ready-to use ideas try our Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter handbooks. 

Who Is Forest School For?

Forest School is for everyone.

It can be adapted to suit a wide range of ages, abilities, and settings, including:

• Early years children
• Primary and secondary pupils
• Children with SEND
• Home education groups
• Alternative provision settings

Because Forest School is child-led and flexible, it meets learners where they are. Some children thrive on physical challenge, while others benefit from quiet exploration or creative activities.

It is particularly powerful for children who may struggle in traditional classroom environments, offering a different way to engage, succeed, and feel valued.

Evidence and Research Behind Forest School

Forest School is supported by a growing body of research highlighting the benefits of outdoor learning.

Studies have shown that regular time in natural environments can:

• Improve mental health and wellbeing
• Increase confidence and self-esteem
• Support communication and social skills
• Enhance engagement in learning
• Develop problem-solving and resilience

Outdoor learning has also been linked to improved physical health, including increased activity levels and better coordination.

In the UK and beyond, schools are increasingly recognising the value of integrating outdoor learning approaches like Forest School into their curriculum—not as an “extra,” but as an essential part of child development.

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