Early years pupils at Giggleswick Junior School are heading into the woods.
The school has set up a “forest” site in the school grounds, where youngsters will be given small achievable tasks in a woodland environment in order to build their confidence.
Forest schools have been developing in the UK since 1995 and are based on a Danish model adapted by Bridgwater College. Giggleswick’s forest school will be led by Lisa Shepherd.
She has taken part in a training programme funded by the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Sustainable Development Fund and has been sharing her knowledge with other members of staff.
A school spokesman said: “Children will learn to use real small hand tools, exploring the use of natural materials and learn to assess risk, take on challenges and accept responsibility.
“Forest School also promotes emotional literacy through activities such as informal discussions around the camp fire, teamwork, creating a culture of listening, focusing on strengths, looking for solutions, being flexible and encouraging self-evaluation that explores feelings as well as actions.”
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