Sussex Community Foundation supports Forest School at the Goodwood Education Trust

02nd December 2025

The Education Trust is an independent environmental education charity operating on the Goodwood Estate near Chichester, and has been connecting children with nature for almost 50 years. The Trust runs three programmes, Farm Visits, Forest School, and Children in the Community.

The Trust, as a recognised Forest School Provider, runs Forest School sessions for 7 schools, mainly secondary, as part of their weekly curriculum. Schools make this opportunity available to children who are struggling with mainstream schooling, for a variety of reasons.

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Secondary school children struggling in mainstream schooling will be able to benefit from weekly Forest School, thanks to funding from the Sussex Community Foundation.

The Goodwood Education Trust is an independent environmental education charity operating on the Goodwood Estate near Chichester and has been connecting children with nature for almost 50 years. The Trust runs three programmes, Farm Visits, Forest School, and Children in the Community.

The Trust, as a recognised Forest School Provider, runs Forest School sessions for 7 schools, mainly secondary, as part of their weekly curriculum. Schools make this opportunity available to children who are struggling with mainstream schooling, for a variety of reasons.

The recent report ‘Reaching Potential’ from the Sussex Community Foundation recognises and highlights challenges students in Sussex face, including a sharp increase in persistent absence since the pandemic. The report shines a light on the vital role of local charities in helping those who are disadvantaged so they can reach their full potential. Their funding is prioritised to support organisations that develop young people’s skills and confidence, help people to overcome barriers to education and provide alternative ways to learn for young people.

The benefits of Forest School practice for children are powerful, offering autonomy and agency over their choices, nurturing new connections, working with adults beyond school or family, and the freedom to try new things while reducing the fear of failure. 

Forest School, while based in the natural environment, develops valuable life skills for those participating, such as decision making, co-operation, socialisation, communication skills, perseverance, working with adults, making positive informed choices and conflict resolution. Drawing on these skills when back in the school environment, the teachers observe children engaging in education which can keep them safe and reduce their vulnerability.

One school said, ‘The students have improved social skills, including an awareness of the consequences of their actions and their ability to work with others. They have increased their self-confidence and self-esteem. The biggest impact for our students is the chance to talk freely without being constantly told off, and they have shown compassion to others when they are struggling’.

Catherine Cannon, Education Trust Manager, said, ‘We’re hugely grateful to the Sussex Community Foundation for their support, and for recognising the impact that Forest School can have on some of our most vulnerable young people. As we approach our 50th birthday, we know the need for what we offer is greater than ever’.

  • latest news

  • Goodwood Education Trust

  • Sustainability

  • Farm

  • Farm Shop

  • Partnership

  • Charity