Upcoming School events
Odd Sock Day for Anti Bullying
Odd Sock Day for Anti Bullying
Forest School
Forest School at Cogenhoe Primary
Our established forest school has an explorative, child-led approach with play at the heart of our ethos. It provides children with an opportunity to experience learning in an outdoor environment through play and discovery.
Our Forest School is led by our very own passionate, dedicated and experienced Forest School Leader (Mrs Minney), who is level 3 trained. During every single session, our children learn with their whole bodies: walking, jumping, searching, smelling and feeling- all the time absorbing the world around them. Our hands-on activities produce muddy children with happy faces and brains that are inspired by nature!
Our EYFS children enjoy visits to our Forest School weekly as part of their provision, with all other year groups having two dedicated terms throughout the school year; being able to experience the Forest during the different seasons. Our Forest School sessions encourage and promote a fun way for all of our children to grow in confidence and independence; igniting curious and creative thinking and allowing risk-taking within a safe environment. Core skills such as perseverance, independence and responsibility are continually developed. The children develop a love and respect for nature and the habitats of the insects and animals that they share their forest space with. Each session is carefully planned to match the needs of the children and builds upon a progressive programme over the duration of an entire term. There is a continuous cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review by the Forest School leader which links each weekly session to the next.
Within the Forest School sessions, the children are provided with possibilities to support:
- their understanding of the world around them
- their physical development (fine and gross motor skills)
- the designing and creating of natural art
- the use of simple tools
- trying their hand at den building
- the learning of simple knot tying skills
- creating rope swings and night lines
- games
- story telling
Our Forest School is also utilised frequently by our SEND pupils to support and recognise individual learner needs, with a strategic focus in promoting positive mental health and behaviour regulation. The sessions foster a sense of wellbeing, supporting confidence and self-esteem and equip them with vital skills needed for life beyond their primary education.
Cogenhoe is committed to being at the heart of the local community and serving its local families, therefore, we are delighted to be able to offer our ‘Forest Tots’ sessions throughout the Spring, Summer and Autumn months to members of the public for children from the age of 18months. Inviting local communities and families to come and enjoy our wonderful provision is such an honour.
The overall aim is to support a relationship between the children and the natural world. This will involve gaining more knowledge, alongside developing respect for the natural environment. In turn this helps to develop their confidence to learn through play, exploration and taking supported risks -appropriate to the environment and themselves.