The Early Year's Foundation Stage, the compulsory educational framework introduced in the UK this academic year, recommends that young children learn through play. An important part of this is learning about the world outside the classroom by directly experiencing it, which can be particularly helpful for relocated children who find themselves in an unfamiliar environment. Yet too often this activity is limited to weekly PE lessons.

The Forest Schools approach offers a solution. It is a programme for very young students which is established as part of some European education systems. It has been adopted by a number of UK schools including ACS Cobham International School in Surrey, where it is taught to students aged from two to six.

Advocates of the Forest Schools approach note that they witness quiet children gaining the confidence to lead, or openly share their discoveries unprompted.  Children faced with the extended boundaries of outdoor space can explore by jumping, running and grasping - skills which cannot be developed in a classroom. 

Nicky Kay, one of ACS Cobham's qualified Forest School leaders, argues that the programme creates a positive experience for children. 

"By exposing children to some managed risk we teach them to assess situations for themselves and therefore test and expand their own capabilities. They also experience the powerful emotions that go with risk taking, like anticipation, satisfaction, confidence and exhilaration.  This breeds self-esteem and confidence, which spurs the child on to achieve more.  Being taught new skills in the outdoor environment stretches a child's capabilities in all the learning areas."

"Removing all risk in the outdoor environment can lead to limited learning. Allowing children to reach boundaries they are comfortable with and to develop in a natural world, yet still keeping them safe, is an important part of their education."