SEND sessions
Introduction
Forest school helps healthy physical, social and emotional development and encourages communication, confidence and strengthening of a child's emotional control, which improves self-awareness and well-being. We focus on the benefits of the outdoors more generally and we are seeing that nature is relevant for children with special educational needs (SEND). It helps more focused attention, social interaction, positive emotion and speech.
Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, it is not a one-off or infrequent session. These termly block sessions benefit children hugely. For general info about Forest School, click here.
About SEND Sessions
Our sessions are planned around the four key areas of difference:
• Interacting
• Sensory Processing
• Processing Information
• Communication
Our aim is for nature to nurture every child and our forest school experience is accessible to everyone. We build familiarity, flexibility, understanding and cooperation into our sessions to help decrease autistic sensitivity and barriers to interaction. The great outdoors engage every one of the senses by exposing them to rich sources of stimuli. Outside there is freedom and space. Nature moves slowly, transitioning from sunrise to sunset and from one season to another by a natural rhythm that activates the brain to make important sensory distinctions, rather than causing overwhelm which can trigger a retreat to survival instinct and stunt brain activity. We want everyone to be able to access outdoor learning through our events and workshops so we aim to ensure that nature can nurture each child. Inside Out Forest school works with the seven senses – touch, taste, sound, smell, sight, proprioception (awareness of the position and movements of the body) and vestibular sensation.
Benefits
Forest School can boost your child's senses through a range of activities that focus on developing;
• balance
• co-ordination and fine motor skills
• supports language development
• aids independence and self-care
• encourages self-regulation
It’s often harder for children with SEND to process everyday information as their senses may be over-active or under-active or both. Running around the forest, climbing trees, jumping onto stepping stones, and even swinging in hammocks helps to regulate the stress hormone Cortisol to reduce anxiety and fear and result in a positive experience.
Our skilled Forest school leader can work to support your family by welcoming you to a calm and safe experience and offering activities in collecting, categorising, systematising and repetition. Through careful observation we can work with your child to respond to stimuli, offer choice and encourage inclusiveness. There is always a quiet space to be found, a cosy nook, or a peaceful clearing for children to just be themselves and listen to the calming whispers of the trees.
Booking Information
SEND Group 1 runs on Tuesdays 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
£30 per child
This is an unaccompanied session, suitable for children happy to be left in our care for the afternoon.
6-week block or a whole term booking.
SEND Group 2 runs on Wednesdays 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
£30 per child
This is an unaccompanied session, suitable for children happy to be left in our care for the afternoon.
6-week block or a whole term booking.
(If you'd prefer to accompany your child, see our Home Ed Family Session details below!)
SEND Family Sessions to run on Thursday afternoons 12.30 pm - 3:00 pm
£15 per child
6-week block or a whole term booking.
A session for SEND children and parents/carers.
A family-orientated session where children of all ages can enjoy the woods together.