The Forest School & Montessori Philosophy

The Forest School Ethos

The Forest School ethos prioritises the well-being and holistic development of children through regular, immersive experiences in nature, guided by the following key aspects:

• Connection with Nature: Forest School emphasizes the importance of children forming deep connections with the natural world. It provides opportunities for children to explore, play, and learn in outdoor environments such as woodlands, parks, and green spaces.
• Child-led Learning: Central to the Forest School ethos is the idea of child-led learning. Rather than following a predetermined curriculum, activities are based on the interests, needs, and abilities of the individual child or group. This fosters a sense of autonomy, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation in learning.
• Risk-taking and Resilience: Forest School encourages children to take managed risks in a safe and supportive environment. Engaging in activities such as climbing trees, building dens, and using tools promotes resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.
• Hands-on Experiences: Learning in Forest School is primarily experiential, with a focus on hands-on activities and sensory experiences. Children are encouraged to use their senses to explore and engage with the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.
• Holistic Development: Forest School promotes holistic development, encompassing physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of learning. Time spent outdoors in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for children’s health and well-being, including increased physical activity, improved mental health, and enhanced creativity.
• Environmental Awareness and Stewardship: Through regular interactions with the natural world, children develop a sense of responsibility and care for the environment. Forest School encourages environmental stewardship by fostering a deep respect and appreciation for nature and by teaching children about sustainability and conservation.
• Community and Collaboration: Forest School often takes place in small, mixed-age groups, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among children. Peer-to-peer learning and cooperation are encouraged, promoting social skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

How Does the Forest School Ethos Complement the EYFS?

The Forest School ethos and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) have many complementary aspects. The Forest School approach emphasises outdoor learning, self-directed play, and hands-on experiences that promote creativity, problem solving, and physical development. Similarly, the EYFS framework encourages child-led learning, play-based activities, and holistic development.

Both approaches recognise the importance of nature and the outdoors in promoting well-being and learning in young children. Therefore, incorporating The Forest School ethos within the EYFS framework can enhance the learning experience for children and provide a well-rounded education.

The Montessori Philosophy

The Montessori philosophy in the early years emphasises on self-directed learning, hands-on exploration, and independence. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, and the classroom environment is designed to support their natural curiosity and development. The teacher takes on the role of a facilitator, guiding and observing the child’s progress rather than interrupting and instructing them.

The Montessori method of education includes five main areas of learning:

• Practical Life
• Sensorial
• Language
• Mathematics
• Cultural Studies

How Does the Montessori Philosophy Complement the EYFS?

The Montessori philosophy and the Early Years Foundation Stage share some common goals, such as promoting child-led learning and the development of independence and social skills. However, there are also some differences in approach.

Montessori emphasises hands-on learning and self-directed exploration, while EYFS focuses on adult-guided activities and play-based learning. Overall, the two can complement each other by providing a well-rounded approach to early childhood education.