As stated by the Forest School Association (FSA), Forest Schools for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a long-term child-led educational approach that uses natural woodland settings to support holistic development. Unlike traditional classrooms, it focusses on "process over product," allowing children to learn through exploration, supported risk-taking, and hands-on interaction with nature.

How does this look at St Bernards?

We have our own designated forest school area on site. This has primarily been created for our primary students, although has also been used by our senior students in the summer months when learning about fire safety and cooking outdoors. Our on-site forest school area has a purpose-built mud kitchen, rope area, an adapted xylophone, fire pit and logs. We have enjoyed a range of activities including mini beast hunts, painting trees with our hand prints and making tree people with our giant logs.

Our senior cohort visit Snipe Dales for forest school sessions. Whilst there we have built impressive dens, learnt how to use crafting knives for whittling, bow saws, used palm drills, played hide and seek within our designated area, completed mini beast hunts and trust exercises whilst building on our communication skills.