Longvernal Primary School is celebrating its success by becoming one of only around twenty schools across the country to be named a ‘Recognised Forest School Provider’.

Offering children an opportunity to experience ‘good practice’ Forest School, it is the only primary school within forty miles to receive this sought after and highly acclaimed accolade.

Headteacher Karen Bazeley said: “As soon as we saw the Forest School Association’s Recognised Forest School Provider scheme we knew this was one for us. Longvernal is firmly committed to the learning and holistic opportunities offered through quality Forest School provision.

“A significant number of teachers are Level 3 trained.Our children love their weekly sessions in our dedicated forest areas which complement our broad curriculum offer.

“Outdoors, children keep active, learn through exploration and enhance learning in Design Technology, Maths, Humanities and the Arts.

“Our staff are fully engaged and committed to this approach and many parents choose us as their child’s school because we offer this. This recognition will give us something that other schools do not.

Longvernal Primary School Forest School offers a specialised learning approach based in a woodland or natural environment, giving all participants opportunities to develop self-confidence and esteem through hands-on learning experiences. Its roots reach back to early years pioneers in outdoor learning in Scandinavia.

Successful applicants are added to a publicly accessible map at: www.forestschoolassociation.org/find-a-forest-school-provider/ for parents wondering where to send their children, or even for decision makers such as local authorities and academies.

It is important to know that a provider is operating professionally and working in accordance with good practice and that sessions are conducted so that the children’s self-confidence, communication skills and use of tools is progressing week on week.

Gareth Wyn Davies, CEO of the Forest School Association said: “We believe that the FSA Recognised Forest School Provider scheme will provide these schools and organisations with the means of demonstrating the quality of their work to parents and those who fund their work. “We therefore congratulate Longvernal Primary Schoolon their success at becoming an approved ‘good practice’ provider.”