Our Forest School curriculum is designed to provide children with regular, meaningful opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences in a natural woodland environment. Rooted in our core values of Community, Respect, Aspire and Endurance, our approach nurtures confident, resilient, and independent learners who are connected to both their environment and each other.
At the heart of our Forest School ethos is child-led learning. We believe that when children are given the freedom to explore, take appropriate risks, and follow their curiosity, they develop the essential skills and attitudes needed to thrive.
Forest School fosters a strong sense of belonging. Children work collaboratively, share experiences, and support one another in a natural setting. Through group challenges such as den building and outdoor problem-solving, pupils learn to communicate effectively, develop empathy, and understand their role within a wider community.
Respect is embedded in every aspect of Forest School. Children learn to care for the natural environment, understanding their responsibility to protect and sustain it. They also develop respect for themselves and others, recognising boundaries, listening to different perspectives, and valuing each person’s contribution.
Forest School encourages children to aim high, embrace new challenges, and develop a love of learning. By engaging in creative, open-ended activities, pupils are inspired to explore their potential, take pride in their achievements, and develop confidence in their abilities. The environment nurtures curiosity and motivates children to discover more about the world around them.
Through managed risk-taking and sustained effort, children develop resilience and perseverance. Forest School provides opportunities to face challenges—whether physical, social, or emotional—and to persist in overcoming them. This builds determination, adaptability, and a positive attitude towards learning from mistakes.
Our Forest School curriculum uses the natural environment as a powerful context for learning, enabling children to embody our values of Community, Respect, Aspire, and Endurance. It equips them with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to succeed both in school and in life.
Please follow this link to find out more about the benefits of Forest School: Forest Schools: impact on young children in England and Wales – Forest Research
SUAT supports and leads in the set-up of new academies joining the partnership. The services provided by the central support function cover both educational and non-educational support. In terms of educational support, SUAT is linked to the School of Education of Staffordshire University, which is an outstanding ITT provider.