Description

Support engaging, skills-based outdoor learning with this comprehensive Upper Key Stage 2 Forest School Planning Pack for Years 5 and 6. This resource includes 11 detailed Forest School session plans, designed to provide flexibility across a six-week programme, with alternative sessions for settings that either have access to campfires or operate on sites where fires are not permitted.

The planning develops children’s confidence, resilience, teamwork and practical woodland skills through child-centred, hands-on experiences. With parallel session options, practitioners can deliver a high-quality Forest School programme regardless of site restrictions.

This pack includes:
Introduction to the woodland environment, Forest School ethos and expectations
Session 2 – Choose between:
Natural den building (no fire)
Fire building and fire lighting
Session 3 – Choose between:
Bow saw skills (no fire)
Loppers and natural den building
Session 4 – Choose between:
Bow saw skills (no fire)
Safe knife skills and whittling
Session 5 – Choose between:
Introducing the bit and brace (no fire)
Continuing knife skills and whittling techniques
Session 6 – Celebration session with two options:
Woodland celebration without a fire
Campfire celebration where fires are permitted
Woodland games and team-building activities throughout
Opportunities for reflection, child-led exploration and skill progression across the programme

Perfect for:

Upper Key Stage 2
Years 5–6
Forest School leaders
Outdoor learning practitioners
Schools delivering Forest School programmes

Whether your site permits campfires or not, this flexible planning pack enables you to deliver a progressive Forest School programme that develops practical woodland skills while encouraging independence, resilience and a lasting connection with the natural environment.

Important Disclaimer

These plans are intended as a planning resource to support the delivery of Forest School sessions and should be adapted to suit your individual setting, site and learners. All activities must be supported by appropriate site-specific and activity-specific risk assessments.

Any activities involving tools or fire should only be delivered by a suitably trained and qualified Forest School Leader (or appropriately qualified adult) following current Forest School good practice, organisational policies and relevant health and safety guidance. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to ensure all activities are appropriate for their group, environment and level of supervision.