Forest School Ethos

🌿 Our Forest School Ethos

At Leafy Legends, we believe the woods are more than a backdrop—they’re a living classroom where children grow in confidence, creativity, and connection. Our Forest School approach centres on holistic development through regular, long-term sessions in nature. It’s child-led, curiosity-driven, and rooted in respect—for each learner and for the wild world around us.

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Here’s what guides everything we do:

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🌱 Core Principles

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🕰️ Long-term, regular sessions
Forest School isn’t a one-off adventure—it’s a journey. Weekly sessions build trust, deepen relationships, and allow children to truly connect with the woodland and each other.

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🎈 Child-centred learning
Children lead the way. We follow their interests, support their ideas, and create space for exploration, imagination, and discovery.

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🌈 Holistic development
We nurture the whole child—physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively—through meaningful play and real-world experiences.

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🔥 Supported risk-taking
From climbing trees to lighting fires, children are encouraged to take age-appropriate risks with guidance. It builds resilience, problem-solving, and self-belief.

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🌍 Respect for nature
We foster a deep connection to the natural world, encouraging care, curiosity, and stewardship through hands-on exploration.

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🎓 Qualified practitioners
Our sessions are led by trained Forest School leaders who understand the ethos and ensure safety, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing.

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🧭 Learner-led exploration
Children choose how they engage—whether building dens, crafting with natural materials, or simply sitting quietly under a tree. Their choices matter.

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🤝 Positive relationships
Forest School is a social space. We build trust, encourage teamwork, and celebrate each child’s unique way of connecting with others.

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In essence, Forest School at Leafy Legends is about giving children the freedom to grow—emotionally, socially, and spiritually—through play, challenge, and connection in the wild.