Wild Minds Forest School
About Me
Hi, my name is Sarah and I'm passionate about nature and being outdoors! I hold an MSc in Conservation Science from Imperial College London which I did after working as a Park Ranger in Ealing for just under four years. I currently work part time as an Operations Manager for a successful conservation charity, having worked for nine years at a marine conservation charity leading their expedition operations and more recently I became qualified as a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner. I run Forest School sessions at Blondin Park and support other organisations with their Forest School programmes as well as organise the odd Forest school party here and there! Outside of work I'm mum to two children who are three and six and I've lived in Ealing, on and off, for my whole life.
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I decided to complete the Forest School Leadership course as I want to share my passion for nature and outdoor learning and believe that following the Forest School ethos is a great way to do it. At Wild Minds Forest School I offer unique outdoor experiences which encourage a curiosity for the outdoors but most importantly they support holistic development and child-led play. This means helping develop the whole person (and not just certain aspects of a child's growth) including their social, emotional, physical, mental and intellectual development.
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I used to manage Blondin Park as a Park Ranger so it's great being back there as it's a place close to my heart. I love exploring the woods with others and sharing my passion for all things nature-based and I hope to encourage a connection with the natural environment with those who join me, in a safe and enjoyable way!
About Forest School
Whilst Forest School, as we know it today, originated in Denmark, it is based on a rich heritage of outdoor learning in the UK going back to the 19th Century. Philosophers and outdoor educators such as Leslie Paul (founder of the Woodcraft Folk), Wordsworth, Baden Powell and the Macmillan sisters all laid foundations for what we call Forest School today.
During the 1970s and 80s, most likely in response to the introduction of the national curriculum and a much more teacher/outcome centred approach, individuals and organizations interested in early childhood education and environmentalism started to explore alternative education models. In 1993, the first Forest School emerged after a group of nursery nurses from Bridgewater College visited Denmark to look at their school system. They loved the open air culture they witnessed and how it permeated early years education and established a Forest School at the college. Soon after, Forest School was further developed and adapted to suit local contexts and educational needs and spread throughout the rest of the UK.
On 7th July 2012 the Forest School Association (FSA) was launched at Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire as the new professional association for Forest School and the governing body for training. Directors were duly elected and the work of the FSA began!
