Forest School
Discover how Forest School enriches learning and provides unique opportunities for children within our 6 acres of outdoor enclosed space.
Forest School
For Preschool children 3+
At our nursery, we are passionate about the transformative power of outdoor learning. That's why we have fully embraced the Forest School approach in our preschool room, ensuring htat children spend 90% of their time outside, whether it's a sunny day or the rain is pouring down. The only times we head indoors are for meals or in cases of extreme weather - such as excessive heat, freezing temperatures, high winds or thunderstorms. Led by our two fully qualified Level 3 Forest School teachers, Alicja and Monika, who each bring years of experience in running these enriching sessions, our outdoor program is designed to foster curiosity, resilience and well-being in all children.
So why is it important for children to be outside every day, even when the weather is less than ideal? Let's dive into the benefits of Forest School and why outdoor, active play should be prioritised in every child's life.
Physical Health and Fitness
Keeping children active and moving
Climbing trees, balancing on logs, and exploring uneven terrains all build strength, coordination, and agility. These natural movements are essential for physical development and help improve fine and gross motor skills. Outdoor activities also help combat childhood obesity, promoting a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Even in colder or rainy weather, outdoor play boosts circulation and overall fitness, laying the foundation for a healthy, active life.
Enhanced Immune System
Helping children fight off common illnesses
Spending time outside in different weather conditions helps children develop stronger immune systems. Exposure to various elements such as rain, mud, and fresh air allows their bodies to adapt and build resilience. Research shows that outdoor play can boost a child’s immune system, helping them fend off common illnesses. A little exposure to the natural world does wonders for their overall health.
Mental Well-being
Stimulating positive emotions with nature
The calming effects of nature are well-documented. Being in green, open spaces lowers stress and anxiety levels, helping children feel more relaxed and content. Nature stimulates positive emotions, and outdoor play fosters a sense of freedom that helps children process their feelings, develop emotional regulation, and experience joy in the simplest things, like splashing in puddles or watching birds. Forest School helps children experience mindfulness and a connection to the natural world, which has lasting benefits for their mental health.
Building resilience and confidence
Facing challenges in a supportive environment
Outdoor learning offers children the opportunity to face challenges in a supportive environment. Whether it’s navigating slippery paths on a rainy day or finding shelter from the wind, Forest School encourages problem-solving, adaptability, and risk management. These experiences build confidence and resilience — vital life skills that help children overcome obstacles both inside and outside the classroom.
Cognitive development and creativity
Offering endless opportunities for learning and imagination
The calming effects of nature are well-documented. Being in green, open spaces lowers stress and anxiety levels, helping children feel more relaxed and content. Nature stimulates positive emotions, and outdoor play fosters a sense of freedom that helps children process their feelings, develop emotional regulation, and experience joy in the simplest things, like splashing in puddles or watching birds. Forest School helps children experience mindfulness and a connection to the natural world, which has lasting benefits for their mental health.
Improved social skills and teamwork
Working together to achieve common goals
The collaborative nature of Forest School encourages children to work together to achieve common goals, whether they’re building a den, collecting natural materials, or helping each other climb a tree. These shared experiences foster communication, empathy, and cooperation, improving social skills and the ability to work as a team. Under the expert guidance of Alicja and Monika, our Forest School sessions encourage children to interact with their peers, creating bonds and building friendships through play.
Connection with nature
Learning about sustainability and protecting the planet
Spending time outside every day helps children develop a deep connection with the natural world. This connection fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment. Children learn about sustainability, the changing seasons, and the importance of protecting the planet for future generations. Forest School instills in children a lifelong appreciation for nature, which is more important than ever in today’s technology-driven world.
Sensory development
Providing stimulating activities in a unique environment
Nature provides a rich sensory experience that cannot be replicated indoors. The sound of leaves rustling, the feel of mud beneath their feet, and the smell of rain on the grass all contribute to sensory development. Being exposed to different temperatures, textures, and sounds enhances children’s sensory awareness, which is vital for overall learning and development.
Promoting active play and combating sedentary lifestyles
Encouraging physical movement
With children today spending more time indoors, often in front of screens, outdoor play is more crucial than ever. Forest School provides a natural solution by encouraging physical movement and active play, ensuring that children remain active and engaged throughout the day. Our outdoor approach helps combat sedentary habits, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle from an early age.
All weather learning
Embracing different weather to enhance learning
One of the key aspects of Forest School is embracing all types of weather. Rainy days provide unique learning opportunities, such as observing how water moves through the environment or understanding the importance of waterproof clothing! Cold weather teaches children how to dress appropriately and manage themselves in different conditions. Every type of weather presents new challenges and lessons, ensuring that children are constantly learning and growing, no matter the conditions.
Why we need more emphasis on outdoor learning
Using our years of experience to enrich children's lives
In a world where many children spend the majority of their time indoors, Forest School offers a valuable and much-needed opportunity for children to engage with the world around them. Being outside every day, regardless of the weather, is essential for children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Outdoor learning encourages active play, creativity, and resilience — skills that are essential for success in life.
Our fully qualified Forest School leaders have years of experience planning and running these sessions, ensuring that every day is a unique and enriching experience for the children. Their passion for outdoor learning shines through in every session, and they work hard to make sure every child feels confident, curious, and connected to nature.
Final thoughts
At our nursery, we believe that Forest School is one of the most valuable experiences we can offer children. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, or chilly, we are committed to providing outdoor learning opportunities every day. The benefits of outdoor play in nature are vast, and we encourage every parent to embrace this approach and see how it positively impacts their child’s well-being, development, and happiness.
​
Rain or shine, let the adventure in nature begin!
