These are just some of the comments from the schools that have attended Forest School at Itchen Valley Country Park:

“We have some very boisterous boys who calmed down and concentrated so much more in the outdoor environment”
Noah’s Ark Pre-School

“A fantastic experience!”
Fair Oak Infant School

“The children became very aware of the weather and changing conditions in the forest area.

One child who can be quite challenging in nursery blossomed and benefitted from the freedom of the setting and heavy work, e.g. moving large logs.

One child who is very quiet and reserved at nursery was much more chatty and proactive”
Yellow Dot Nursery

“It was just an incredible experience and the children really benefitted from it”
Little Oaks Pre-School

“All the children, without exception enjoyed the experience and benefitted from the opportunity to work together in mixed age groups.

The older children gained confidence by leading the younger ones.

A few of the children who are reserved at school really came out of themselves and enjoyed learning about the natural world”
Fair Oak Junior School

“Team building

Social skills

Personal development

Sense of achievement

Feeling of being valued

Feeling successful

Obtaining life skills”
Wyvern Technology College

“So pleased we have an ‘outlet’ for our ‘vulnerable’ less academic pupils to achieve success at Forest School.

The laid back approach of teaching outdoor education clearly has a place in our curriculum here at Wyvern.

Year 9 Pastoral Leaders have praised some of our students on return from Forest School for their improved behaviour and new found self-confidence”
Wyvern Technology College

The sessions were extremely well planned and interesting. Each child was able to experience success at some level. The sessions allowed the children to take risks whilst understanding they have a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe.

It was a pleasure to witness such growth in the children in so many ways”
Berrywood Primary School

“Children were enthusiastic about coming to the Forest School every week. The children (especially the boys) showed lots of extra skills during the sessions and were able to achieve success despite finding the usual academic side of school challenging”
St Swithun Wells Catholic Primary School