Forest School

forest-school-dial-park
Welcome to Dial Park Forest School!

We’re so glad you’ve found us! Take a moment to explore our page – whether you’re here to learn more about our school, find specific information, or simply get a feel for what makes Dial Park Forest School special. Feel free to browse through the sections that interest you, and if you have any questions or need further details, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always happy to help!

For any inquiries, you can easily get in touch with us via email at hayley.gee@dialpark.stockport.sch.uk 

Instagram 

Forest School Shortcuts

EYFS

Primary 

Nurture

Training

Meet the Team

forest-school-eyfs-dial-park
EYFS

At Dial Park Nursery, our Forest School and Outdoor Learning opportunities fulfil the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage by providing a comprehensive and engaging approach to learning. We follow an established pattern of routine that enables participating children to develop a sense of security, belonging and confidence. By supporting the holistic development of our young children across all areas and characteristics of effective learning, we can foster a love for nature and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 

forest-school-primary-dial-park
Primary

We have built on the core ethos established by the nursery and EYFS, ensuring that every child from Reception to Year 6 has a weekly session within our ever-evolving Forest School all throughout the year providing the longevity needed to foster a deep connection with nature and oneself. The children direct their own learning in each session, truly supporting their individual needs, their mental wellbeing and ability to risk assess as well developing a deep sense of self. Our highly specialised and enthusiastic staff have a wealth of experience and are trained to a high level in order to facilitate and encourage resilience, independent learning and provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to thrive.

forest-school-dial-park

The social, emotional, and physical skills developed through our Forest School sessions are transferable to the classroom and beyond, fostering well-rounded individuals who are resilient, adaptable, and equipped to navigate challenges, build positive relationships, and excel in a variety of environments throughout their lives.

By the time our children are 11 they have experienced:
>Lighting, maintaining and extinguishing fires safely.
> Regular cooking sessions on the fire, experiencing a range of different and seasonal foods often linked to the History curriculum.
> Making hot drinks by boiling a Kelly Kettle.
> Building a variety of different shelters and dens for play or for an intended purpose.
> Using a range of tools for building and craft.
> Three different and progressive forest school sites and the wonder of seasonal changes.
> Regular team building games promoting good communication, self-worth and people skills.
> Freely chosen sessions to enable them to direct their own learning, at their own individual pace, supporting intrinsic motivation.  

forest-school-nurture-dial-park
Nurture

In addition to Forest School we also provide a nurture session which a smaller group of children take part in a minimum of 6-week block or more to get further exposure to some of the practical activities forest school as well as gardening and community work. The smaller groups are to provide the opportunity for children to be supported further with the social, emotional and physical skills forest school attempts to foster. 

forest-school-training-dial-park
Training

Here at Dial Park, after 8 years of experience setting up and running a successful forest school within our main stream primary we wanted to share this success aiming to inspire others to incorporate forest school within as many settings as possible. Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, youth worker or other professional wishing to connect children with nature then go no further.  

forest-school-qualified

Become a Qualified Forest School Leader 

Do you love the outdoors? Are you passionate about helping others connect with nature? This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a Forest School Leader, enabling you to establish and run your own Forest School programme.

What You’ll Learn
This comprehensive course covers everything you need to lead successful Forest School sessions:
• Learner-Centred Facilitation: Develop strategies to guide groups in a supportive and individualised way.
• Sustainable Site Management: Learn how to manage a Forest School site responsibly and with care for the environment.
• Practical Skills: Gain expertise in woodland management, tool use, fire lighting, risk management, and more. 

Who Is This Course For?
This qualification is ideal for:
• School and college staff, including teachers and teaching assistants.
• Youth workers and outdoor professionals.
• Adults training to become Forest School Leaders.
Whether you’re seeking professional development or exploring a new career path, this course will prepare you for employment and further study in the outdoors. 

Why Choose Us?
We tailor each course to the unique needs, skills, and experiences of the group we train, ensuring a personalized learning journey for every participant. By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident and fully prepared to:
• Set up and run your own Forest School sessions.
• Apply the Forest School principles in your practice.
• Lead engaging, safe, and sustainable outdoor learning experiences.


Eligibility to Enrol
To join the course, participants must meet the following criteria:
• Be 18 years or older.
• Hold Relevant Level 2 Qualification or appropriate experience in education, youth work, childcare etc.
• Established link with a group and a potential Forest School Site.

Additional likeable qualities:
• Be comfortable leading a group.
• Have a passion for the natural world and enjoy outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
• Embrace a playful, curious, and hands-on approach to learning.

Ready to inspire others and make a difference in the great outdoors? Enrol today and start your journey as a Forest School Leader!


Forest School Courses

BOOK ONLINE HERE

Forest School Handbook

VIEW HERE

Meet the Team

From left to right:

• Lucy: The big ball of energy that keeps us all going! She’s full time delivering Forest School from reception to year 6 and bringing all the vibes while she’s at it.

• Andy: Our resident joker, bringing plenty of laughs and fun to every forest school session. Andy is also full time with us and the master builder behind all the amazing structures on site.

• Emma: The newest addition to the team! Emma delivers Forest School in the nursery site and is busy developing their amazing outdoor provision, ensuring even the tiniest ones get plenty of outdoor adventures.

• Hayley: As the longest-standing member, Hayley spend her time not only striving to join the team but also delivering training and working to give more kids across Stockport the opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors. 



Forest-school-team-dial-park
Contact Us

© Copyright 2025 Dial Park Primary School - All Rights Reserved

GDPR Policy   -  Privacy Policy



Created by Web Design Stockport