In this deep-dive episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma unpack the real benefits of long-term Forest School sessions—beyond the standard “you see the seasons change.” They explore how long-term provision enables genuine, trust-based relationships with children, parents, and the land. From greater behavioural stability and reduced coercion to the freedom for both children and practitioners to follow their instincts, long-term sessions create space for meaningful play, reflection, and slow, sustainable development. They also discuss the impact on adult confidence, children's emotional security, and how consistent time in one space deepens connection and observation. The conversation explores how children who’ve attended for years often carry their Forest School identity beyond sessions—planning, imagining, and bringing items from home to support self-directed play. Parents, too, benefit from long-term engagement: forming peer relationships, building confidence in the pedagogy, and contributing to the sessions in increasingly collaborative ways. Whether you’re a practitioner, parent, or policymaker, this episode will strengthen your understanding of why long-term Forest School matters—and how it supports child development in ways that short-term provision simply can’t match.
⏱ Chapter Timings:
00:00 – Intro: Why talk about long-term Forest School?
01:20 – Definitions: What counts as long-term in Forest School
02:17 – Holding the line: The value of shared standards and community
03:34 – Saying no to one-offs and short-term compromises
04:31 – Quality of relationships and reduced coercion
06:00 – Behaviour changes, emotional security, and consistency
07:50 – Children’s freedom vs artificial pressures
08:47 – Practitioner freedom and flexible planning
11:52 – Observing more over time: layers of discovery
13:10 – Deeper needs and recurring interests
14:52 – Managing changing interests and emotional states
16:17 – The gift of consistent autonomy
16:58 – The child’s relationship with Forest School beyond the session
17:58 – Bringing objects and stories into the woods
19:29 – Benefits for parents: trust, openness, and confidence
21:16 – Parents as partners in planning
22:15 – Freedom to request and collaborate
23:14 – Outro and closing thoughts
🌱 Keywords: Long-term Forest School, Forest School relationships, outdoor learning, consistent pedagogy, emotional regulation, autonomy in play, child-led learning, parent involvement, forest school planning, observational practice, deep learning, slow pedagogy, Forest School training
🔖 Hashtags:
#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #LongTermLearning #ChildLed #ForestSchoolBenefits #ParentalInvolvement #NatureConnection #AutonomyInLearning #SlowEducation #EarlyYears #ForestSchoolCommunity
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Got a question or want to share your Forest School journey? Email us at admin@theforestschoolpodcast.com
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www.theforestschoolpodcast.com
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