Registered Charity 1001065
Forest School and Woodwork
Forest School sessions
Longparish Little School run Forest School sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays for children who attend Little School. A Forest School is an innovative educational approach to outdoor, nature-based play and learning, and in this case, is set within the beautiful woodland environment around Longparish village.
Children thrive when they are given the freedom to explore, and Forest School offers exactly that. In the early years, the outdoors becomes more than just a place to play — it becomes a living classroom. As children step into the woodland, they enter a world filled with possibilities: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the excitement of spotting a beetle beneath a log, the challenge of balancing on a fallen tree. Every moment invites curiosity.
Forest School nurtures children in ways that indoor environments simply cannot replicate. The open space encourages them to move their bodies freely, building strength, coordination, and confidence as they climb, run, dig, and discover. They learn to assess risks, make decisions, and trust their own abilities — skills that form the foundation of independence and resilience.
Emotionally, the natural world offers a sense of calm and wellbeing. Children find comfort in the rhythm of the seasons and the sensory richness of the outdoors. They work together to build dens, share tools, and solve problems, developing social skills and deepening their sense of community.
Most importantly, Forest School helps children build a lifelong connection with nature. Through repeated visits, they begin to understand the environment, respect it, and feel part of it. In a world where many children spend increasing amounts of time indoors, these experiences are more valuable than ever.
Forest School is not just an activity — it is a philosophy that celebrates curiosity, encourages exploration, and supports the whole child. It gives young learners the space to grow, to wonder, and to discover who they are in the world around them.
Every week, come rain or shine, the children have the opportunity to learn about our local natural environment through play. They are learning to handle risks, and importantly use their own initiative to solve problems and work together.
Please contact us for more information on how your child can attend our Forest School sessions, This applies to children who are attending Little School or planning to join Little School.
Support for Forest School and Woodwork
Thank you to Longparish Parish Council, Vitacress, Taylor Wimpey, Bellway Homes, Raymond Brown, South Coast Building Supplies, Andover Alarms and our fantastic parents for their donations. We would also like to thank Longparish Primary School and Middleton Estate for letting us use their land.
Can you help us by donating equipment? Order items from our Amazon Wish List and have them delivered directly to Little School.
For more information on how you and your company can support our Forest School contact admin@longparishlittleschool.org.uk
Scroll down to see the children in action.
Woodwork
Why woodwork?
It is more important than ever for the new generation to be able to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills. Woodwork exercises such skills as children make their own choices and learn through trial and error. It sparks creative thinking and imagination, qualities that are at least as important in our changing world as the practical skills gained. Woodwork encompasses all aspects of learning and development, supporting maths, scientific investigation, physical coordination, language, and vocabulary, so it can be central to your curriculum. Initially, children are taught how to use the tools safely and given opportunity to try techniques in appropriate ways. As they gain mastery, delight and pride give their self-esteem a visible boost. Learning progresses at each child’s individual pace. Once they have mastered the basic skills, they move into open-ended exploration, making unique creations. Now their creative thinking and confidence in problem-solving flourish as they meet and resolve their own challenges.
