Our Preschool Forest School is called Nature Explorers and is an exciting extension of our early years provision where children can learn, grow, and thrive in nature.
We are delighted to introduce this enriching outdoor experience and share how it will benefit your child’s development and wellbeing.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a child-centered, play-based approach that takes place outdoors in all seasons. It encourages children to explore the natural world, build confidence, and learn through hands-on experiences such as investigating plants and insects, building shelters, creating natural art, and working together on outdoor challenges.
The ‘wild’ yet controlled environment, ensures that children taking part, naturally learn to assess risk and are encouraged to make sensible and informed decisions about how to deal with unfamiliar and unpredictable situations. Much of the learning for a child comes as a result of the opportunities they have for testing their own abilities in a real life situation.
Benefits for Children’s Wellbeing
- Reduces stress and supports positive mental health through calm, sensory-rich outdoor experiences.
- Builds resilience and confidence as children learn to take safe risks.
- Encourages physical development through climbing, balancing, running, digging, and exploring.
- Promotes social skills as children work together, problem-solve, and communicate.
- Develops independence by allowing children to follow their own ideas and lead their own learning.
Supporting All Areas of Learning
Forest School experiences naturally link to all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):
- Communication & Language: storytelling outdoors, listening to nature, describing discoveries
- Physical Development: gross and fine motor skills strengthened through natural play
- Personal, Social & Emotional Development: teamwork, confidence, independence
- Literacy: mark-making with natural materials, reading stories in nature
- Mathematics: counting leaves, measuring sticks, problem-solving
- Understanding the World: learning about plants, animals, weather, and ecosystems
- Expressive Arts & Design: using natural materials for art, imaginative play, and music
Teaching Children About the Environment & Sustainability
Our Forest School helps children develop a deep respect for the environment. They learn:
- How to care for plants and wildlife
- Why sustainability matters
- The importance of recycling, reducing waste, and reusing natural materials
- How small actions can protect our planet for the future
To make the experience even more magical and meaningful the children will affectionately be called “Bumblebees.
🐝 Why Bumblebees?
We chose the name Bumblebees because bumblebees represent many of the qualities we value in Forest School:
- They are busy explorers, constantly investigating the world around them—just like the children.
- They work together, showing teamwork, cooperation, and kindness.
- They play an essential role in nature, reminding us how important even the smallest creatures are to our environment.
- They move from flower to flower, symbolising curiosity, learning, and growth.
By calling our children “Bumblebees,” we hope to nurture these positive traits and create a sense of belonging, community, and connection to the natural world.
We also have a fabulous new outdoor classroom called the Hive. This will enable us to participate in forest school all year round whatever the weather so children need to be dressed appropriately.
What Should My Child Wear? – Forest School Clothing Guide
Because we explore in all weathers, appropriate clothing helps keep everyone safe and comfortable. Please ensure your child comes prepared with:
In Colder Weather:
- Waterproof coat
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm layers (jumpers, fleece, thermal tops)
- Hat and gloves
- Thick socks
- Wellies or waterproof boots
In Warmer Weather:
- Lightweight long-sleeved top and long trousers (for sun and insect protection)
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen applied before arrival
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes
All Year Round:
- Spare clothes in case children get muddy or wet
Children will get dirty – that’s part of the learning and fun!
If any of our parents require further information regarding our forest school sessions please feel free to approach a member of staff for assistance.