Alternative Provision

Our Alternative provision programs are aimed at children/young people who are unable to fully access or fail to thrive in mainstream education and/or need a complementary learning method. We can work with children/young people with a range of needs such as behavioural issues, special educational needs and or social, emotional and mental health challenges. Forest schools represent a unique form of alternative provision that can significantly benefit such students.  We are trauma aware and aim to create an inclusive community.

What is a Forest School?

Forest school is an outdoor education model that emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning in a natural environment. It originated in Scandinavia and has gained popularity worldwide. The approach involves regular sessions in a woodland or natural setting, where students engage in activities like bushcraft, ecological studies, creative projects, and physical challenges. Forest School is guided by 6 principles which shape the way that a good forest school is run and they govern the ethos of provision. They help set forest school apart from other forms of outdoor learning sessions as they create a unique format for delivery.

In addition we follow a curriculum which has 5 principles that complement formal education and learning. These principles are

• Educative – learning skills utilising the natural environment
• Empowering - person centred, participant led.
• Participatory - based on experiential learning
• Inclusive - tailored sessions based around individual need.
• Expressive - gives time and space to explore thoughts, feelings and actions.

Benefits of Forest Schools in Alternative Provision

1. Improved Engagement and Motivation:

1. • Active Learning: Forest schools promote active participation, which can be more engaging for students who struggle with traditional, sedentary classroom settings.
   • Intrinsic Motivation: Activities in a forest school are often student-led, fostering a sense of ownership and intrinsic motivation to learn.

2. Enhanced Social and Emotional Development:

1. • Teamwork and Cooperation: Many forest school activities require collaboration, helping students develop social skills and learn to work effectively in groups.
   • Resilience and Confidence: Overcoming challenges in a natural setting, such as building a shelter or navigating terrain, can boost students’ confidence and resilience.

3. Behavioral Improvements:

1. • Less Stressful Environment: The natural setting can be less stressful and more calming than a traditional classroom, which can help reduce behavioural issues.  Also as the sessions are child/young person led participants have a sense of control that they may not have in other aspect of their life
   • Positive Reinforcement: Forest school leaders often use positive reinforcement, which can help improve students' behavior and self-esteem.

4. Physical and Mental Health Benefits:

1. • Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is a core component of forest school programs, contributing to better physical health.
   • Mental Well-being: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improving overall mental well-being.

5. Personalised Learning:

1. • Adaptability: Forest school activities can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, allowing for a more personalised learning experience.
   • Holistic Development: The approach addresses multiple aspects of development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical—providing a well-rounded educational experience.

6. Connection to Nature:

1. • Environmental Awareness: Particpants develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world, fostering environmental stewardship.
   • Sustainable Practices: Forest schools often incorporate lessons on sustainability and conservation, which can be valuable in a world increasingly concerned with environmental issues.

 

Portsmouth Forest School CIC is based at Hilsea Lines, a beautiful woodland setting on the edge of Portsmouth. We deliver high-quality educational activities and outdoor experiences for children and young people in Portsmouth and surrounding area.  Our aim is to get children of all ages and backgrounds out into the woods, enjoying and noticing nature and the world around them and consequently feeling the benefits socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Using this approach we can work with the student/students and the school with the ultimate aim to facilitate reintegration into the school environment.

Portsmouth Forest School CIC offers:

Individual/pair or small group Forest School sessions for children who struggle to access the school curriculum through formal education.

Programmes offered:

3 session introductory programme (subsequent bookings 6 weeks +)

6 session block

Half term block

Full term block

 

Sessions can be either half day - 2hrs or full day - 5hrs, Although we would recommend attending half day sessions initially

Forest School is a long-term process so we would recommend an initial 12 week programme as a minimum in order to witness any meaningful changes for the individual participant.

Individuals/ pairs and small groups.

For individual and small groups, we produce weekly session evaluation and feedback documenting what happens during the sessions. We measure the holistic progress and development of the individual using the SPICES Model – Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Emotional and Spiritual attributes and produce detailed half termly and termly progress reports.