Forest School nurseries

Learning and exploring outdoors

Forest School-inspired learning helps children connect with the outdoors through hands-on experiences, exploration and play. By spending time in natural environments, children can investigate their surroundings, pursue their interests and learn through direct experience.

Many of our nurseries incorporate elements of the Forest School approach, using outdoor activities and nature-based experiences to encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an approach to learning that takes place in natural environments, such as woodland areas, gardens and outdoor spaces. It encourages children to learn through exploration, discovery and practical experiences.

Rather than following a fixed programme, activities are often guided by children's interests, allowing them to investigate the world around them, ask questions and develop new skills in meaningful ways. Sessions are designed to support confidence, independence and a positive connection with nature.

Find a Forest School nursery

Learning through outdoor experiences

Forest School-inspired activities provide children with opportunities to learn in ways that feel engaging, memorable and purposeful. Whether they're building, creating, observing or problem-solving, children are encouraged to take an active role in their learning.

Practical skills

Developing capability through experience

Activities such as den building, simple tool use and outdoor projects help children practise coordination, persistence and problem-solving while developing practical skills.

Exploring the outdoors

Encouraging curiosity and discovery

Outdoor spaces offer endless opportunities to observe wildlife, investigate natural materials and notice seasonal changes, helping children develop an interest in the world around them.

Collaboration

Learning alongside others

Group activities encourage communication, teamwork and the sharing of ideas, helping children develop positive relationships and social confidence.

Building confidence

Trying new things

Outdoor experiences encourage children to make decisions, overcome challenges and take pride in their achievements, supporting growing self-confidence and resilience.

Exploring, discovering and growing outdoors

Forest School is guided by principles that place children's interests, experiences and wellbeing at the centre of learning.

How can Forest School support children's development?

Forest School-inspired experiences can give children opportunities to:

Confidence

Growing through new experiences

Taking on achievable challenges and trying new activities can help children build confidence in their abilities and develop a positive sense of self.

Independence

Making choices and leading learning

Children are encouraged to follow their interests, make decisions and take an active role in their experiences, helping them develop independence and self-reliance.

Resilience

Learning through challenge

With support from practitioners, children can learn to persevere, adapt and overcome obstacles, developing resilience and a willingness to try again.

Communication and relationships

Learning alongside others

Shared outdoor experiences encourage children to communicate, exchange ideas and build positive relationships while working and playing together.

Problem-solving and creativity

Exploring ideas in different ways

Open-ended activities encourage children to investigate, experiment and think creatively as they discover new ways to approach challenges.

Physical development and nature connection

Moving, exploring and discovering

Natural environments provide opportunities to develop coordination, balance and movement skills, while helping children build an appreciation for the world around them.

Get in touch

Have a question or need support? Our friendly team is here to help with nursery enquiries, admissions, funding, or anything else you need.