St Paul’s Pre-School
Forest School Curriculum Links
Early Learning Goals
Forest School at St Paul’s Pre-School is an integral part of our curriculum, complementing and extending children’s learning experiences as set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Through outdoor, child-led learning, Forest School provides rich opportunities to develop skills across all areas of learning and development.
Prime Areas of Learning
Communication and Language
- Children develop listening and attention skills through group discussions, storytelling, and responding to natural sounds.
- Vocabulary expands as children describe textures, weather, and discoveries in nature.
- Opportunities for sustained shared thinking arise through questioning, problem-solving, and reflective conversations.
Physical Development
- Gross motor skills are strengthened through climbing, balancing, digging, and running.
- Fine motor control is developed through tool use, threading natural materials, and detailed exploration.
- Children learn about health, self-care, and safety in outdoor environments.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Teamwork and cooperation are encouraged through shared tasks and challenges.
- Children gain confidence and independence through supported risk-taking and decision-making.
- Emotional wellbeing is promoted through connection with nature and mindfulness in outdoor spaces.
Specific areas
Literacy
- Storytelling, mark-making in mud or sand, and creating signs support early reading and writing skills.
- Natural materials inspire imagination and narrative play.
Mathematics
- Counting, sorting, and pattern-making with natural objects build mathematical understanding.
- Measuring, estimating, and comparing activities promote problem-solving and reasoning.
Understanding the World
- Exploration of habitats, weather, and seasons develops scientific thinking.
- Children learn to care for living things and understand sustainability.
- Forest School supports awareness of community and the wider world.
Expressive Arts and Design
- Creativity flourishes through natural art, music, and imaginative play.
- Children use natural materials to build, sculpt, and design, expressing individuality and teamwork
Learning at Each Child’s Pace
Every child develops differently. Our role is to observe, encourage and plan activities that help each child make progress in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Speak to our team to learn more about how we support your child’s early learning and development.