Forest School at Our Lady of Fatima

The rationale behind the Forest School Programme at Our Lady of Fatima is centred on addressing various developmental needs of the children to support their holistic growth. The specific needs of the group include enhancing resilience, fostering collaborative skills, broadening experiences, instilling an appreciation for nature, and supporting social, emotional, and mental well-being, especially for children who may be facing challenges.

Resilience Building:

Forest School activities aim to provide challenges in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging children to adapt and overcome obstacles. This fosters resilience by allowing them to face and overcome difficulties, promoting a 'can-do' attitude.

Collaborative Skills:

Group tasks and nature-based activities provide opportunities for teamwork, communication, and cooperation, fostering collaborative skills and enhancing social interactions among the children.

Broadening Experiences:

Exposing the children to diverse outdoor experiences expands their horizons beyond the classroom, allowing them to explore nature, engage with the environment, and develop a broader perspective.

Appreciation for Nature:

Through immersion in natural settings, children learn to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and develop a sense of responsibility towards preserving it for themselves and future generations.

Supporting Mental Health:

For children facing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, the Forest School environment provides a calming, non-judgmental space to alleviate stress, boost self-esteem, and improve emotional well-being.

The Forest School Programme at Our Lady of Fatima is specifically tailored to address these needs by creating a supportive, nature-rich environment where children can develop resilience, social skills, appreciation for nature, and receive support for their emotional well-being. These experiences aim to nurture a well-rounded development and positive growth for all children involved.