Forest School

Outdoor Learning at Lightwater Village Schools

At LVS, we believe that some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom walls. Our Outdoor Learning programme encourages curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection with the natural world. We want to get our children out in nature, away from screens and experiencing life in the real world, collaborating and working as a team to create projects.

Our school has worked on passports of opportunity to make our enrichment offer explicit to parents. When we devised these we looked at the 50 things to do by 11 and ¾ from the National Trust. We want to enrich our pupils lives with rich and varied experiences in the natural world. Our school overlooks the wonderful Lightwater Country Park. We use this resource regularly and it makes for a delightful backdrop to our outdoor provision.

In 2025-26 we will launch an enhanced lunchtime provision offer rooted in offering more outdoor learning experiences to children throughout their breaktimes and lunchtimes. We complete termly outdoor learning days which serve as a ‘pens down day’ giving chidlren the opportunity to collaborate, get mucky, and learn outside.

Why Outdoor Learning?

Outdoor learning helps children:

• Develop teamwork and communication skills
• Improve physical health and wellbeing
• Foster independence and problem-solving abilities
• Engage more deeply with subjects through hands-on experiences
• Build resilience and a sense of responsibility

What Do We Do Outdoors?

From exploring local woodland areas to gardening in our school grounds, outdoor learning is a regular part of our curriculum. Activities include:

• Nature walks and wildlife observation in Lightwater Country Park
• Science and maths lessons outside the classroom
• Outdoor art and storytelling
• Environmental projects and eco-awareness activities
• Termly outdoor learning days
• Forest school enrichment in KS1 and EYFS weekly with our trained practitioner
• Enriched playtimes where children access a variety of different experiences to enhance their day

 

Forest School at Lightwater Village Schools

We are proud to offer Forest School sessions in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, led by our Forest School practitioner, Mrs Sonja Whitehead. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for our youngest learners to:

• Develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on outdoor experiences
• Explore the natural world in a safe, supported setting
• Learn practical skills such as den-building, tool use, and fire safety (age-appropriate)

Forest School takes place in our excellent outdoor provision and is carefully structured to support each child’s development and wellbeing.

Safe, Supported, and Inclusive

All our outdoor learning, including Forest School, is planned and delivered by experienced staff to ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.