"The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky" Margaret McMillan
The Forest Kindergarten provides children with the freedom, space and a beautiful natural environment in which to be children, to run, swing, build dens, climb, be creative, acquire a natural curiosity and hands-on understanding of the natural world, to tell stories, play and explore, whilst experiencing all that nature has to offer.
Every day we discover and learn something new through the ever changing seasons.
Children develop strong physical, social and language skills, and above all self-esteem and respect for the great outdoors.
Run by qualified Forest School Leaders with Level 3 Early Years or teaching qualifications.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am-2pm
Term time all year round.
Waterproof trousers and jacket: Waterproof trousers, or dungarees. It is important that even in dry weather your child still has their waterproofs as this enables them to play in puddles, mud and sit on damp ground etc. They also protect from scratches and prickles!
The site The kindergarten has a licence with Hosey Common to use an area of woodland we call 'Base Camp', 5 minutes walk from the carpark.
It has been risk assessed by tree surgeons and ourselves, and is monitored on a regular basis for tree safety in particular. We have a potette toilet
and handwashing facilities, and also use the large tarpaulin shelter. We also have small fires by our log circle, where we may have hot drinks on cooler days.
We also love to explore the further woodland, which we have also risk-assessed, and provides a great deal of variety.
Daily Routine During each session we shall usually begin by meeting at the log circle for songs and circle time. Then we will spend most of our time playing and exploring the woods. Staff will also model activities for children to join in with at their will. We will take shelter under the parachute if needed, and we have a selection of books, and hammocks for children to rest in.
Our activities cover the 7 areas of learning from the Early Years curriculum through:
Snack time We provide a midmorning snack each session, where children can choose from either fruit, or oatcakes. We also sometimes cook on the fire, or have a hot drink.
We aim to:
Policies - see here We also operate an "open door" policy, where the staff are always willing to discuss your child's progress or concerns in confidence.
Owner/Manager Caroline Watts, NVQ Level3 childcare qualified, Forest School Practitioner OCN Level 3, Paediatric first aid trained, SENCO & designated person safeguarding trained, enhanced DBS.
Alex Green, forest kindergarten leader, qualified primary school teacher, safeguarding and outdoor paediatric first aid trained, enhanced DBS
Louise Farnham, forest kindergarten leader, qualified teacher, child counsellor and forest school practitioner, outdoor paediatric first aid trained, enhanced DBS.
Chinatsu Fisher, forest kindergarten early years assistant since 2016. Basic safeguarding and outdoor paediatric first aid trained, enhanced DBS
Sheryl Burles, forest kindergarten assistant, qualified primary school teacher
What do you do when it rains? Play!! Remaining warm and dry is the most important element to create happiness and creative play in all weathers. Whilst the woods themselves afford shelter we also have a parachute shelter over the log and fire circle, and have a storm shelter at our disposal to provide extra protection. We have a fire at snack time on cold days, and often will have a hot drink.
What about toileting? We have a specified area in the woods where we erect a tarp to offer shelter and privacy for toileting. Children not used to toileting outside quickly adapt; staff are on hand to assist as needed. We provide handwipes or water, soap and towels for handwashing after toileting and before eating.
How do you help children settle in? You are welcome to first visit to meet staff, ask questions and explore a bit of the woods with your child. Every child is individual; some children just wave goodbye and others find leaving their parent/carer difficult. We want to do what is best for your child, so when your child starts pre-school regularly, if you feel the need to stay, please do so.
Community The kindergarten encourages positive relations with the local community. We have strong communication with Sundridge Primary school, whose Reception and Year 1 classes also have done Forest Schools with us for 3 years, and also invite reception class teachers to us to see children who will be moving on to their primary school. We also often host teachers and students who are interested in the forest kindergarten's practice. We have links with other local schools and the farm, where we visit the lambing in spring. We firmly believe the kindergarten should be an important part of the local area. We also offer professional training in storytelling, mindfulness, and nature connection.
Events Parents and grandparents are warmly welcome to our Easter, summer picnic and Christmas celebration.
Insurance We are covered by Employers Liability and Public Liability Insurance, specifically for forest school activities, up to £10,000,000 (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
Registration with Ofsted We are registered for children from the age of 2 years. We have up to 15 children per session and a minimum ratio of 1:5 staff to children.
If you would like further information about Forest Kindergarten, please contact Caroline Watts (07718896919).
Also see Forest School Association website.
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The Forest Kindergarten provides children with the freedom, space and a beautiful natural environment in which to be children, to run, swing, build dens, climb, be creative, acquire a natural curiosity and hands-on understanding of the natural world, to tell stories, play and explore, whilst experiencing all that nature has to offer.
Every day we discover and learn something new through the ever changing seasons.
Children develop strong physical, social and language skills, and above all self-esteem and respect for the great outdoors.
About us
We are an outstanding rated forest preschool for children ages 2.5-6 and also welcome homeschooled/flexischooled children.Run by qualified Forest School Leaders with Level 3 Early Years or teaching qualifications.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am-2pm
Term time all year round.
How to enrol
- Book a visit to our setting with Liz at forestkindergartenoffice@gmail.com
- enrol here
- Read the information below and get ready to join us!
- You can also book one off forest kindergarten sessions below:
Kit List
A warm and dry child is a happy child! Please provide your child with the following, named:- Rucksack, with side pockets, and waterproof cover. Deuter/ jack wolfskin are excellent quality. Pack with: plastic bag containing lightweight change of clothes - socks, pants, trousers, longsleeved top, spare fleece and gloves, spare plastic bag; packed lunch, water bottle, tissues and wipes at sides.
Colder weather
- Thermal base layer - leggings, not tights!, long sleeve top and thick socks. (ideally polyester/merino not cotton as this holds moisture)
- Second long sleeve top
- 1-2 warm fleece/wool jumper.
- Cosy trousers i.e tracksuit pants, fleece leggings (NOT jeans).
- Two pairs of mittens (age2-3s), gloves age 4+. One size fits all 'magic gloves' work well. (One waterproof pair if preferred).
- Warm hat and fleece snood (these are very warm!)
- Neoprene or fleece lined wellies, or waterproof walking boots. (www.warmwellies.co.uk)
Warmer weather
- Long trousers and top (these are still necessary to prevent scratches and stings)
- Jumper (as it can be cool at the beginning of the day)
- Suncream (please apply at home)
- If you feel your child needs insect repellent please apply in advance.
Waterproof trousers and jacket: Waterproof trousers, or dungarees. It is important that even in dry weather your child still has their waterproofs as this enables them to play in puddles, mud and sit on damp ground etc. They also protect from scratches and prickles!
Daily Routine During each session we shall usually begin by meeting at the log circle for songs and circle time. Then we will spend most of our time playing and exploring the woods. Staff will also model activities for children to join in with at their will. We will take shelter under the parachute if needed, and we have a selection of books, and hammocks for children to rest in.
Curriculum
Communication and Language , Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development Mathematics, Understanding of the World , Literacy & Expressive Arts and DesignOur activities cover the 7 areas of learning from the Early Years curriculum through:
- Nature exploration and connection through digging, creating, collecting and observing the changing seasons
- Opportunities for cooking
- Making crafts, painting and moulding with clay, mud and natural materials
- Construction tools
- Opportunities for mathematics, and understanding of the world through natural materials
- Books available and comfortable places to nap in the hammocks.
- Physical activities: exploring the woodland, tree climbing, rope swings, den building, seesaws
- Music games, singing and rhymes
- Circle time, and daily reflection time.
Snack time We provide a midmorning snack each session, where children can choose from either fruit, or oatcakes. We also sometimes cook on the fire, or have a hot drink.
Ethos
- Provide children, staff and parents closeness and freedom with nature, deepening the exploration and connection with self and the environment.
- Create a positive ethos that is reflected in all interactions with one another and the environment, supporting and cultivating respect for the world and others, through mindfulness and compassion.
- Offer a spacious, challenging, creative play and learning environment
- Support the development of the individual and creative expression
- Support and develop the capacity for each child to experience and be at ease with self-driven learning and exploration
- Nurture the child's full potential in conversations and interactions
- Develop the capacity for children and staff to work and play as a team
- Support and develop staff understanding in forest schools and the early years foundation stage
- Cultivate positive relationships within the immediate and larger community
- Promote health and wellbeing through physical and emotional resilience, healthy eating, healthy minds This is achieved by encouraging:
- active and reflective time outdoors
- free and independent play
- investigative play to foster an attitude of open enquiry and active learning
- positive and co-operative play.
- We will ensure all our staff and volunteers:
- are carefully selected, screened, trained and supervised and will be kept up to date with Child Safeguarding training.
- receive first aid training appropriate to the outdoor environment
- are aware of health and safety issues relating to child care and activities in the outdoor environment
- develop positive behaviour management skills in order that the children feel safe, secure and know that they can rely on being cared for in a fair, non-judgmental way, where feelings expressed are acknowledged and taken seriously.
- encourage children to express their ideas and views on a wide range of issues.
Policies - see here We also operate an "open door" policy, where the staff are always willing to discuss your child's progress or concerns in confidence.
The team
Alex Green, forest kindergarten leader, qualified primary school teacher, safeguarding and outdoor paediatric first aid trained, enhanced DBS
Louise Farnham, forest kindergarten leader, qualified teacher, child counsellor and forest school practitioner, outdoor paediatric first aid trained, enhanced DBS.
Chinatsu Fisher, forest kindergarten early years assistant since 2016. Basic safeguarding and outdoor paediatric first aid trained, enhanced DBS
Sheryl Burles, forest kindergarten assistant, qualified primary school teacher
F.A.Q's
What do you do when it rains? Play!! Remaining warm and dry is the most important element to create happiness and creative play in all weathers. Whilst the woods themselves afford shelter we also have a parachute shelter over the log and fire circle, and have a storm shelter at our disposal to provide extra protection. We have a fire at snack time on cold days, and often will have a hot drink.
What about toileting? We have a specified area in the woods where we erect a tarp to offer shelter and privacy for toileting. Children not used to toileting outside quickly adapt; staff are on hand to assist as needed. We provide handwipes or water, soap and towels for handwashing after toileting and before eating.
How do you help children settle in? You are welcome to first visit to meet staff, ask questions and explore a bit of the woods with your child. Every child is individual; some children just wave goodbye and others find leaving their parent/carer difficult. We want to do what is best for your child, so when your child starts pre-school regularly, if you feel the need to stay, please do so.
Community The kindergarten encourages positive relations with the local community. We have strong communication with Sundridge Primary school, whose Reception and Year 1 classes also have done Forest Schools with us for 3 years, and also invite reception class teachers to us to see children who will be moving on to their primary school. We also often host teachers and students who are interested in the forest kindergarten's practice. We have links with other local schools and the farm, where we visit the lambing in spring. We firmly believe the kindergarten should be an important part of the local area. We also offer professional training in storytelling, mindfulness, and nature connection.
Events Parents and grandparents are warmly welcome to our Easter, summer picnic and Christmas celebration.
Insurance We are covered by Employers Liability and Public Liability Insurance, specifically for forest school activities, up to £10,000,000 (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
Registration with Ofsted We are registered for children from the age of 2 years. We have up to 15 children per session and a minimum ratio of 1:5 staff to children.
Duty of Care
Whilst your child is attending Forest Kindergarten, we have a duty to ensure that s/he is safe at all times. We aim to provide safety for the children that balances the benefit of risk taking, thereby enabling and supporting learning and discovery in the world and self. The outdoor environment is regularly checked to ensure that your child is playing in a safe but interesting environment. We have an ongoing relationship with the tree surgery company Tree Craft, who regularly manage the woodland to ensure the site is safe. Knowing the local woodland environment well we ensure that the children are safe from hazards.If you would like further information about Forest Kindergarten, please contact Caroline Watts (07718896919).
Also see Forest School Association website.
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