AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
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AFTER SCHOOL FOREST ADVENTURES
After-school Forest School clubs are the perfect way for your child to unwind and decompress after a day of classroom learning. These sessions are designed to complement the children's age and stage of development whilst encouraging them to test their beliefs about what they’re capable of.
It is now widely recognised that children (and adults!) are stimulated by the outdoors and typically experience, over time, an increase in their self-belief, confidence, learning capacity, enthusiasm, communication, problem-solving skills and emotional well-being offering a wonderful additional dimension to the children’s day.
“He is enjoying it so much, he’s never wanted to do an after-school club before and he comes home so happy and excited to tell me about it. Thank you so much.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Forest school is an opportunity for children to experience nature and the outdoor environment in a safe, secure and hands-on way.
The children are encouraged to investigate, explore and respect all living things.
Exploring, playing and learning using a range of crafts and activities (some designed by the leader and some instigated by the children themselves) is what forest school is all about.
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Managed risk is also an essential part of the forest school experience.
Children may have the opportunity to build dens, climb trees, light fires and use tools. All these activities build independence, high self-esteem and teamwork skills which is an important part of forest school.
In any activity or craft undertaken at Forest School health and safety considerations are always of paramount importance.
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The session starts with me signing the children in and everyone gathering around the fire circle. I will introduce the activities on offer for the session and any accompanying safety reminders. The children are then free to choose any of the activities offered or create their own play with the resources available, such as the tarps, ropes and mud kitchen items.
We will have a snack, often cooked over a fire, midway through the session.
We will then begin the crafts on offer, for example, weaving, candle making or nature-inspired art. Some children may be making dens or on the swing or the whole group may gather for a running game.
We gather around the circle again at the end of the session to debrief and there is an opportunity for the children to have their input in shaping the activities we do in the coming weeks. I then take the children to the collection point to be picked up by their parents or they can join the school after-school club.
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For the most part, rain will not cause any issues unless accompanied by strong winds. If there is a continuous deluge (which has happened!) we will seek an indoor space.
Similarly, for cold weather, we will mostly remain outside and adapt our session to include more fast-moving activities and we will have a hot drink available in addition to cooking our snack over the fire. If the group is really feeling the cold in more extreme weather, we will seek an indoor space.
Adverse weather can also include excessive heat, in which case we will seek shade and lower the activity level to avoid overheating. The children will be reminded to drink regularly from their water bottles and I will bring extra water with me.
Consistently strong windy weather (where wind speeds exceed 30mph) will necessitate us moving inside. If an inside space cannot be found the session will be cancelled. Notification of this will be given as early as possible.
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It’s all about layers!
They can always take a layer off after running about but getting cold is no fun at all.
Long-sleeved tops and long trousers are recommended all year round.
Please use old clothes and let your child know that you don’t mind if the clothes get dirty. Names on clothes would also be helpful.
For the comfort and well-being of your child the following clothing and equipment is recommended:
Sturdy trainers, boots or wellies
Warm socks
Long trousers
Long sleeved top
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof over trousers
Hat & gloves (winter)
Water bottle (summer)
Sun hat (summer)
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If your child is unable to make a club session for any reason, please contact me on 07814 028636 or pickmanclaire@gmail.com to let me know.
If I am expecting your child at club and they haven’t arrived I will first check with the school office and then call the contact numbers you have provided to confirm their whereabouts.
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Please see the Claire Pickman Forest School Terms and Conditions for full details.
For club
Over 14 days’ notice before the date of the first club session, you can receive a full refund.
Over 7 days’ notice before the date of the first club session, a 50% refund can be given.
Less than 24 hours’ notice before the date of the first club session, no refund unless in exceptional circumstances*.
*What is deemed ‘exceptional circumstances’ is subject to my discretion.
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Yes! I am insured with Birnbeck Insurance for public liability and employer’s liability and for all forest school activities undertaken at Claire Pickman Forest School. A copy of my insurance certificate is available upon request.
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Yes! I undertake regular Outdoor First Aid training including Paediatric First Aid. I am happy to share my latest certification upon request.
“Just wanted to send you a quick message to say thank you for today’s forest school. Barnaby’s own words were “I had an amazing time, it is the best school club I have ever been to!”. This is not just platitudes, he was honestly very happy and full of praise when he came in. I wanted to express my thanks whilst it was still in my mind!”