Welcome to
The Practical Forest School
Forest school providers that work in West Sussex schools and run independent afterschool clubs.
We believe in the power of being outdoors. We believe that children should be free to play because play is learning. We believe that a stick can be anything, and that life skills like risk taking can be developed in a child-led environment.
We offer both forest school sessions and curriculum-led outdoor learning where children can get away from their desks. Let’s bring the National Curriculum to life and help kids understand their natural world.
We love the lightbulb moments when a child suddenly realises they can light a fire, or jump a stream, or walk a slackline… when they’re proud of the stick man, the carving, the leaf art that they’ve made.
We can bring those experiences to your school, either through curriculum-based sessions (think: meteorology, the natural world, habitats, history, science, biology) or through child-led free play sessions through afterschool clubs.
Afterschool Clubs
Our blog
Find out what’s happening in the forest school world, get ideas for outdoor activities to use with your own groups, download printables and learning resources and follow along with our journey as we create outdoor learning experiences for children in Sussex!
Weaving Magic: Exploring Forest School Weaving Activities
Unlock the potential of outdoor learning with forest school weaving activities! Learn how to set up an outdoor loom, incorporate nature and assess learning outcomes.
Throwing a Forest School Party: Ideas for Games, Food, and Fun!
Throw the perfect forest school party with these creative ideas for games, food, crafts, activities and more! Get inspired with our forest school party ideas.
Exploring Viking Culture with Forest School Viking Ideas
Discover creative forest school viking ideas to help children explore Viking culture through games, crafts, outdoor activities and storytelling.
Exploring the Benefits of Sand Play for Early Years Education (Plus Activities)
Discover the benefits of sand play for early years education and explore simple activities to do in the sand with preschoolers and young children. Learn what equipment you need for sand play!
Why Early Years Outdoor Learning Is So Important For Kids
Why early years outdoor learning is so important for kids and how it can benefit them in the long run, with tips for educators.
Outdoors Winter Scavenger Hunt Printable
Get this beautiful outdoors winter scavenger hunt printable. You can use it with your primary school children, your family, or your Forest School setting.
