This qualification has now be taken by many early years practitioners and the idea of forest school is running up and down the country. Many schools within the UK now have a designated forest school area, either on their premise or elsewhere. Local county councils are supporting forest school training and offer this to both settings and local practitioners. (Forest School Training, 2013) Worcestershire county council offer a variety of forest school qualifications and can give information to anyone interested. This demonstrates how well known forest school has become and this support and advertisement from local authorities helps it's continued growth.
Although the idea of forest school has become very popular! Gill (2007) believes we are still living in a risk averse society. He believes we are developing a society of fear and worry and the belief that taking a risk will only end in negative events. Everyday activities like climbing a tree or paddling in a river are being labeled as a dangerous or risky activity, without considering the benefits on a child's development. Gill goes on to say that because of this anxiety in adults, children through not fault of their own, are becoming risk adverse. This begs the question, are we doing enough as a society to overcome this problem?
In an article written for Nursery World (2014: 21-22), Helen Tovey explores both the fear and the value of taking risks. Like Gill (2007), Tovey (2014) highlights the fear that has developed in adults about children taking risk. She also goes on to say that it can have a negative affect on a child's development. Tovey explains the benefits of risk on all areas of their development especially their personal skills, confidence and understanding of their own abilities. Children need to experience risk in order to understand how to overcome risks and be aware of danger. She explains how health and safety has played a part, although protecting the children may prevent them from developing important skills. Tovey goes on to point out that a risk averse society is slowly being pushed away through the work of different organisations and charities. Their work to provide information to both parents and practitioners on the benefits on risk taking has made a positive impact.
Many charities within the UK are trying to encourage children and families to make the most of the outdoors. (About Play England, no date) Play England is a large supporter of active learning in the outdoors. It supports community projects, creating green space in built up areas, resources for schools and many more outdoor initiatives. The charity supports article 31 of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of a Child ( UNICEF, no date) which states that children have the right to play in their own communities and feel safe to do so. This is Play England's ( About Play England, no date) main aim and through their work they are making a difference to a lot of children's lives. They are working with community's to ensure that any equipment provided , e.g a park, is looked after and valued by the whole community.
Passy and Waite (2011) explore the positive contribution that forest school can have on a child and the UK curriculum. Skills that they develop through forest school can be applied to the national curriculum and help them achieve different areas of their development. Therefore, teachers are able to use forest school as a hands on approach to learning. Passy and Waite (2011) go on to say that it is important to have an even amount of planned activities and free choice, these Child initiated activities while outside were the most beneficial for a child's development. It is still important for adults to continue to be observant but to allow children the freedom to explore. This exploration is the main purpose of forest school, an environment that allows children to be comfortable to explore and experiment safely.
The photo below by Bruce (2012), demonstrates the environment made within a forest school. Although there is a risk due to the fire, children are learning new skills. For example, the children are learning fire safety. This is something that couldn't be learnt in any other way and forest school allows this to happen.
Charlie Burton