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Girton Glebe AP provides a range of hands-on experiences designed to build confidence and self-esteem, alongside improving skills in concentration and focus through tangible achievement within an outdoor setting. The curriculum is informed by the principles of Forest School (Full principles and criteria for good practice | Forest School Association) and curriculum content/ Scheme of Work based on WILD Passport.
The wild passport curriculum is broken down into 5 key skill areas: woodcraft, shelters, fire, nature and rope use. Each skill area is then broken down into beginners, advanced beginners, intermediate, proficient, and expert. Although these correlate to age groups, all children will start beginners’ level when joining the AP, as this would help with improving confidence.
This approach also means learners will start with simpler activities that are quicker to complete, which would support improved concentration. The focus would also enable us communicate rules and boundaries in a proficient way. The skills learnt at beginner level are utilised in other activities as learners progress within the levels, so it is important all participants have the prerequisite efficiency and understanding of all the skills.
To find out what children and parents think about our Forest School, visit our Testimonials page.
The wild passport gives a mix of simple experiences and more challenging experiences which can be managed to support children in building confidence and self-esteem, as well as improving skills in concentration and focus with hands-on projects. The curriculum also gives a clear way of recording progression and links to the national curriculum (where needed). Furthermore, the success criteria and extension ideas and activities are provided within this to ensure a curriculum that can also stretch the learner. Each level gives an objective and activity ideas; however it also facilitates autonomy for Forest School leaders to adapt the learning to ensure all learners have the best opportunity to achieve the learning objectives.
At Smartkidz Forest School Additional Provision, the expected outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and other individual specific needs, such as anxieties, are built on the foundation of the Forest School principles, ethos, and the Wild Passport framework. These outcomes focus on fostering personal growth, emotional resilience, social development, and a strong connection with nature, tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.
The calming and sensory-rich natural environment of the Forest School helps reduce stress and anxiety. Through consistent, positive outdoor experiences, children learn to manage their emotions more effectively, build self-regulation skills, and feel more at ease. The supportive atmosphere encourages students to express their feelings, work through challenges at their own pace, and experience a sense of accomplishment, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Children with SEN or specific anxieties often face obstacles that affect their confidence. Forest School’s non-competitive and individualised approach allows children to achieve success on their terms. By engaging in hands-on, practical tasks such as tool use, shelter building, or nature exploration guided by the Wild Passport framework, students experience repeated successes, which build resilience and significantly boost their self-esteem and confidence.
Forest School fosters physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development through a child-centred, nature-based approach. The adaptable nature of Forest School activities allows each child to engage at their level, accommodating different abilities and learning styles. Practical tasks like tool handling or nature crafts help develop fine and gross motor skills, while nature-based exploration encourages cognitive curiosity and creativity, promoting holistic development in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Forest School encourages children to take manageable risks and face challenges in a safe environment. Over time, they develop resilience by learning to cope with difficulties, find solutions, and recover from setbacks. As they progress through the Wild Passport activities, they build independence by taking responsibility for tasks, making decisions, and managing their learning. This fosters a sense of autonomy and achievement, crucial for children with specific needs or anxieties.
The small group dynamic in Forest School promotes collaboration and peer support, essential for children who may struggle with social interaction. Group activities, such as team-based problem-solving or cooperative nature projects, foster communication, empathy, and teamwork. Students learn to work with others, share experiences, and build positive relationships, which enhances their social confidence and ability to engage in cooperative learning.
Children with SEN or anxieties often benefit from sensory-rich environments. The natural setting of the Forest School offers calming sensory experiences—such as tactile interactions with natural materials, the soothing sounds of nature, and the freedom to move and explore. Over time, children develop a stronger connection with nature, which can serve as a grounding tool for managing anxieties and fostering mindfulness. They also learn to care for the environment, gaining a sense of responsibility and stewardship through the Wild Passport activities.
Forest School encourages self-directed learning, allowing children to explore their interests and take ownership of their learning. The flexible and supportive approach fosters intrinsic motivation, where students feel empowered to set personal goals and follow their curiosity. This sense of agency helps children with specific needs, including anxieties, to build a positive attitude towards learning, increasing engagement and fostering a lifelong love for exploration and personal growth.
These expected outcomes reflect Girton Glebe’s AP commitment to supporting the unique needs of children with SEN and specific anxieties, providing a nurturing, inclusive environment that fosters emotional resilience, holistic growth, and a deep connection with the natural world.
Girton Glebe AP uses its Forest School Alternative Provision to offer tailored support for children with SEND, other specific needs, focusing on holistic learning, well-being, and self-esteem. By providing hands-on, nature-based learning, the provision engages children in physical, emotional, and intellectual development through outdoor activities that allow them to learn at their own pace.
The calming, natural environment helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional regulation and enhancing well-being.
Children are encouraged to explore, reflect, and express themselves in a safe, supportive setting, which fosters resilience and confidence. Through this approach, students develop autonomy, problem-solving skills, and a stronger belief in their own abilities, which boosts their self-esteem.
Smartkidz Forest School’s pastoral care ensures that each child feels valued and supported, creating an inclusive space where students can thrive and grow in a way that respects their individual needs.
Students benefit from small group learning with consistent adults who are trained in child-centred practices and all transition work in and out of our provision is done through bespoke strategies and planning based on the children’s needs and profile.
Our sessions currently run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, term time only from 12:00 to 15:00, For children in Key Stage 2 of Primary School
Sessions arrangements organised on a case-by-case basis.
Girton Glebe AP operates as part of the Primary school, with all quality assurance measures in place with the school’s senior leadership and wider Eastern Learning Alliance Trust expertise.
Sessions are run by qualified, Level 3 Forest School leaders. Staff are DBS checked and have completed Designated first aid, paediatric first aid and food hygiene.
To book a tour of our Forest School setting or to get in contact about registering a child for our alternative provision, then please complete the form below.
Please note that the below correspondance will go direct to forestschool@gg.tela.org.uk and you will be contacted by Emma Kitching.
Or Call: 01223 276484
