Forest School at Cromer Road Primary

Learning and Growing Through Nature

At Cromer Road Primary School, we are proud to offer a rich and engaging Forest School programme that gives our children the opportunity to explore, learn, and thrive in the great outdoors. Forest School is a child-centred approach to learning that takes place in a natural environment, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of nature. We deliver these outdoor lessons in the Summer term. Every pupil in every year group takes part in a session in our local grounds and Forest - Monken Hadley Woods with a trained Forest school leader.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and complements the wider curriculum. It is based on regular sessions outdoors in woodland or natural spaces, where children are given the freedom to take supported risks, make discoveries, and engage in meaningful hands-on activities.

Children at Cromer Road Primary attend Forest School in their class, led by a trained Forest School leader and supported by school staff. The sessions are carefully planned to suit the needs of each group, allowing children to develop new skills, build resilience, and strengthen relationships through shared experiences in nature. 

What do the children do and learn in Forest School?

During Forest School sessions, children may take part in a wide range of creative and practical activities, including:

• Building dens and shelters

• Nature walks and wildlife spotting

• Using simple tools safely

• Campfire cooking and storytelling

• Exploring natural materials through art and crafts

• Group games and problem-solving challenges

These experiences foster independence, collaboration, and a deep sense of achievement.

The benefits for our children

Forest School offers a wealth of benefits that support children's overall development. These include:

• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem

• Enhanced communication and teamwork skills

• Better emotional regulation and resilience

• Increased physical activity and coordination

• Greater awareness of the natural world

• Stronger problem-solving and creative thinking skills

Many children return from Forest School feeling more calm, focused, and connected—to themselves, to others, and to their environment.

Our commitment to Outdoor Learning

At Cromer Road Primary, we believe every child should have the chance to learn beyond the classroom. Forest School is an integral part of our school ethos, supporting academic progress while nurturing well-being and personal growth.

We are proud to provide this opportunity to our pupils, and we regularly see the positive impact it has on their confidence, motivation, and happiness. Pupil council have played an active role and this year have helped to extend the  outdoor session.  Forest School also compliments our Trauma Informed Project supporting  pupil wellbeing and positive self esteem.