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"The behaviour of pupils is good. They have respect and care for each other, and display excellent manners."

- 'Good' Ofsted Report 2023 - Moorside Primary School and Nursery

Forest School

Our Forest School vision: children take part in Forest School sessions each week that start with a ‘spark’, a game or activity linked to a theme, skill or an identified area of the curriculum.

Children then explore in their own self-initiated activities, develop skills such as tool use and finally come together at the end of each session to share a campfire snack and reflect on what they have experienced, achieved, tried or improved.

The first sessions for children new to Forest School focus on establishing boundaries and routines and developing an environment of trust. Children come together to explore, communicate and work together. How the children respond to the sessions influences future sessions as they follow their interests and ideas and take ownership of what happens.

Teachers identify key Oracy skills to focus on with individuals, groups or the class and guide children to develop their language through learning collaboratively. The prime aim of Forest School is to develop skills of meta-cognition, emotional well-being and communication and language. Class teachers work with our Forest School leaders, to identify areas of the curriculum that lend themselves most effectively to topics and themes taught termly.

The following classes will be taking part in Forest School activities during the first half of the Spring term 2026:


Reviews from the Children and Parents

School Visitor

Lauren's Assembly in April 2022 "Thank you for such a warm welcome, for the children's excellent behaviour and such thoughtful questions".

Y6 Parent

Reading at Moorside "I think the teachers are doing a fantastic job with reading. I believe the access children have to other forms e.g. Reading Plus etc means they are less likely to be bored and then choose to read a book as entertainment".

Mason, Year 3

Reading at Moorside "I love hearing stories from my teacher and choosing books out of the library".

Reception Parent

Reading at Moorside "I appreciate all the effort that goes into current Reading initiatives, the library visit was fantastic!"  

Y6 Parent

Marrick Residential Trip 2022 "Massive thank you to Team Moorside for all the hard work and effort which goes into trips such as these".

Marrick Residential Trip 2022 "Amazing photos, great memories.... As always you and the team have gone above and beyond. It's nice to be relaxed knowing they are so well looked after..... Thank you".

Y6 Parent

Marrick Residential Trip 2022 "Some fantastic memories made for our children, can't wait to hear all about their week away".

Gracie, Year 6

"My favourite thing about school is the teachers because they are so kind and helpful".  

Andrew, Year 6

"I enjoy when we have Forest School because we have the best hot chocolate and marshmallows and find animals".

Emily, Year 6

"I enjoy doing art with Mr Moss and Forest School. The most enjoyable thing is going on residential trips like Marrick".

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