Our Approach

“One of the most delightful sights for a parent should be a young child covered in dirt from an active afternoon of outdoor play. Unfortunately, that’s a sight parents don’t see much these days – and when they do see it, they’re often horrified. Today too many kids are encouraged to stay indoors, where it’s clean and safe and they can’t get covered with those dirty germs. Parents, relax. Kids who play outdoors and get dirty are healthier. They get plenty of physical exercise, and just as important, they get plenty of immunological exercise. Dirt is good for kids.”

– Mary Ruebush PhD 2009

LITTLE FOREST SCHOOLS

Forest School builds on a child’s innate motivation and positive attitude to learning, offering them the opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning. The Forest School learning environment provides opportunities for children to develop self-esteem, self-confidence, to form positive relationships with others, to develop a growing awareness of their emotional needs and the needs of others, to learn to cooperate and work with their peers and adults to develop strategies and take risks within the boundaries of safety.

OUTDOOR WILD LEARNING

We aim to give all children a collective insight into the ethos of Forest School by allowing children to engage with the natural environment and we all know there is something magical about a piece of woodland. Forest School is about exploring and experiencing the natural world through practical activities. The children go out in all weathers, all year round, exploring and learning from the four seasons and environmental changes. The children’s interest, along with the varied natural resources in our woodland are used to stimulate creative thinking, problem-solving and skill development, all in the guise of play. Most of our activities are child-led, but of course some activities are planned by the practitioner.

Our Forest School Leaders have undertaken Forest School Leader Level 3 Training with Surrey Wildlife Trust.