Nursery is a great time to be starting Forest School to gain the longest possible benefits, the forest school approach was first developed to support the early years curriculum. Forest School is hugely beneficial at this age because of the rate at which children develop in the early years. The years from 0-5 years are extremely important as far as development is concerned, in these years’ children learn processes that will shape them for the rest of their lives. Forest School complements the early years curriculum and allows young children to get outdoors and gain the huge benefits from engaging with nature. Forest school is child led and works in small ratios to allow for the best opportunities for experiential learning. 

There is overwhelming evidence that getting children outdoors provides the best possible start in life and we are proud to foster this at School Outdoors Dulwich.

Studies demonstrate that children now know less about the natural world than ever before in the history of humankind. According to the National Trust, fewer than one in ten children regularly play in wild places compared to almost half a generation ago, a third have never climbed a tree, and one in ten can’t ride a bike. These increasingly indoor and sedentary lifestyles are leading to distressing physical and mental symptoms, including obesity (linked to low overall fitness levels), behavioural problems, stress and a lack of awareness of nature and its benefits.

Fortunately, increasing outdoor time for children is the simplest way to tackle these problems and a forest education offers a range of proven health and wellbeing benefits.

At School Outdoors Dulwich we are all about getting children outside and scientific evidence suggests that this is one of the best ways to address the inactivity that leads to obesity and other related health issues.  Studies have shown that children have higher physical activity levels in greenspaces compared to non-greenspaces and that children who spend more time outdoors have better motor skills and fitness, especially balance and coordination. Playing outside for prolonged periods has been shown to have a positive impact on children's development, particularly in the areas of balance and agility, but also manual dexterity, physical coordination, tactile sensitivity, and depth perception.

According to these studies, children who attend forest schools experience fewer injuries due to accidents. A child's ability to assess risks also improves. Playing outdoors strengthens the immune systems of both children and outdoor professionals.

Behavioural problems are becoming more prevalent, with studies suggesting these may stem from children having little interaction with the natural world.  We also live in complicated and stressful times and managing stress is an important life skill to develop. 

Nature allows unstructured play, generating a sense of freedom, independence and inner strength which children can draw upon when experiencing future incidents of stress.  Research indicates that green outdoor spaces not only foster creative play and improve interactions with adults, but also improves concentration and relieves the symptoms of ADHD.  Some researchers go so far as to claim that contact with nature may be as important to children as good nutrition and adequate sleep.