How Forest School Supports EYFS
At Foresteers outdoor nursery in Oughtibridge, Sheffield, we believe that nature provides one of the richest environments for children to learn, explore, and grow. Our Forest School approach supports the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through exciting woodland experiences that develop confidence, independence, creativity, and essential early learning skills.
From storytelling and den building to pond dipping and woodland adventures, children discover that learning can happen naturally through play, exploration, and curiosity.
What Is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?
The Early Years Foundation Stage is the educational framework for children from birth to five in England. It supports children’s learning and development across seven interconnected areas, helping prepare them for school and life beyond.
At Foresteers, these areas are woven into everyday Forest School experiences. Rather than sitting at desks or following rigid lessons, children develop skills through meaningful, hands-on activities in our woodland environment.
Our team of experienced practitioners follow each child’s interests, offering guidance, encouragement, and new challenges that support their individual development.
How Forest School Activities Support the Seven EYFS Areas
One of our favourite ways to bring learning to life is through storytelling. Imagine reading The Gruffalo together in the woodland, surrounded by the trees, sounds, and natural materials that make the story feel real.
After reading, we might invite children to build homes for the story’s characters, using sticks, logs, leaves, and other natural resources. They can then bring the story to life through imaginative play, moving through the woodland, taking on different roles, and inventing their own adventures.
This simple activity can support all seven areas of the EYFS:
1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children explore how the characters might feel, work together to build homes, share ideas, and take turns. They develop empathy, cooperation, confidence, and positive relationships with others.
2. Communication and Language
Listening to the story, discussing characters, asking questions, and acting out scenes help children develop vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence in expressing themselves.
3. Physical Development
Moving through the woodland, gathering branches, balancing on logs, and constructing shelters develop gross and fine motor skills, coordination, strength, and spatial awareness.
4. Literacy
Storytelling introduces children to characters, language, and the structure of stories. Acting out familiar tales helps develop comprehension, imagination, and an enthusiasm for books and reading.
5. Mathmatics
Building animal homes creates natural opportunities to count sticks, compare sizes, recognise shapes, explore patterns, and solve practical problems.
6. Understanding The World
As children explore the woodland, they discover insects, plants, trees, and seasonal changes. These experiences encourage curiosity about wildlife, natural habitats, and the world around them.
7. Expressive Arts & Design
Children use their imaginations to construct homes, act out characters, invent stories, and experiment with natural materials. Their creative play often continues long after the original activity has finished.
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Learning Through Nature, Play and Discovery
The Gruffalo adventure is just one example of how Forest School supports early years education. Our woodland offers endless opportunities for learning through scavenger hunts, pond dipping, nature crafts, bushcraft, mud sculptures, and imaginative adventures involving fairies, dinosaurs, and woodland creatures.
At Foresteers, children are encouraged to follow their curiosity. Some may want to join a group activity, while others prefer to explore independently or invent their own games. Both approaches provide valuable opportunities for learning and development.
Our practitioners observe children’s interests and gently introduce new experiences and challenges, helping them develop their skills at a pace that feels right for them.
Preparing Children for School and Beyond
Forest School helps children develop much more than academic skills. Through regular experiences in nature, children learn to communicate, cooperate, solve problems, manage challenges, and become increasingly independent.
These experiences complement the EYFS framework while helping children develop the confidence, resilience, and love of learning that will support them throughout their education.
Questions About Foresteers ?
If you have any questions at all, we would be more than happy to help. You can call us on 07835 284 996 or email team@foresteers.co.uk.
We would also love to show you around. Book a free preschool visit and experience nature’s classroom for yourself.
Registered Numbers:
Foresteers: 558984
Foresteers Outdoor Preschool: 2507786