Where curiosity leads, and nature teaches.
Step into our Forest School and you’ll discover one of the most beloved parts of life at Pownall Hall. Nestled within our grounds, this dedicated outdoor space offers children the chance to explore, get creative, and investigate in nature’s classroom – whatever the weather.
At Pownall Hall School, we believe that the Forest School approach is a natural mechanism of support for children as they learn and grow in a fast-paced and ever-changing world. This unique approach to learning and development enables children to develop holistically, at their own pace, through intrinsic motivation, whilst embedding attributes of a life-long learner. Forest School at Pownall Hall School is a safe place to be, and express yourself.
Hi, I’m Josie! You will usually find me covered in mud, leaves and soot!
I began my career working with children over 13 years ago and immediately knew that supporting and guiding children through their vital, early years was my calling. Starting out as a Teaching Assistant, I then studied to become a Primary School Teacher at Sheffield Hallam University, before spending 7 years teaching reception and year one classes. During this time as a Class Teacher, I was always inspired and amazed by the curiosity, awe and wonder that nature sparks in children. This led me to train to be a forest school leader in 2022 and I am now incredibly proud to be Forest School Leader at Pownall Hall School where the children have ample time to explore and connect with our beautiful grounds.
Ranger. Josie Purcell – Level 3 Leading Forest School
1
Purpose-built wooden outdoor classroom
0-9 yrs
Ages with timetabled Forest School lessons
15
Hours of Forest School sessions every week
Our Forest School ethos is based on fundamental respect for children and their capacity to instigate, test and maintain curiosity in the world around them. During our Forest School sessions, the children have ample time to play and explore freely, accessing managed risk through the vibrant reality of the woodland environment. The children will experience a healthy range of emotions, through the challenges of social interaction, building resilience that will enable continued and creative engagement with their peers and potential. Children experience the seasons, the wonders of nature, the highs, the lows, life and death. We are one with the Earth and all it offers at Forest School. This all enables children to build strong, positive relationships with their natural world, developing their understanding of the world around them and a strong connectedness to nature.
We believe that Forest School is a journey. Over time, the process of Forest School and the benefits it brings, become ingrained in each child, as they move forward on their own path. Whilst the adults at Forest School carefully support, guide, model scaffold, and collaborate, the children are not limited by planned activities or preconceived adult ideas about the session. Rather, they venture into realms of the unplanned, unexpected and ultimately unlimited world of choice, freedom and expression as they direct their own learning. The dynamic nature of the outdoor woodland environment allows children to develop deeper connections with themselves, others and the world around them. We gently support each child to develop:
We believe that every child who attends Forest School at Pownall Hall School will leave us with a strong connectedness and a relationship with nature that will enable them to continue along this pathway long into their adult lives. We encourage far beyond superficial contact with nature. Whilst knowledge and skills play an important role, we strive for every child to have a true and authentic relationship with nature, by gently guiding them down ‘The 5 pathways to Nature Connectedness’ as follows; senses, emotion, compassion, meaning and beauty.
And, just as importantly, it’s a place where memories are made – where wellies get stuck, faces get muddy, and smiles come easily.
From our tiniest Robins to our adventurous Form 4s, every child takes part in Forest School sessions as part of their weekly timetable. These sessions are designed to encourage confidence, independence, resilience, and teamwork – all whilst having heaps of muddy, hands-on fun.
With Josie’s guidance, children learn through exploration. They discover how to work together to build shelters, toast snacks over an open fire, climb trees, problem-solve, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
We’re proud of the thoughtful design of our Forest School space, which includes:
A purpose-built wooden outdoor classroom
A firepit, enclosed with professionally installed wooden bench seating
All-weather canopies suspended between the trees, so the adventure continues come rain or shine
Mud kitchens that spark imaginative play and messy hands
Trees to climb, explore and test boundaries safely
Tool station which allows children hands-on opportunities to learn new practical skills and get creative
Den building
A mud slide that’s always a favourite!
