THE EYFS WITHIN A FOREST SCHOOL SETTING
At Willow's Forest School, our mobile Forest School and outdoor learning programmes complement the current Early Years Foundation Stage. We work alongside nurseries, preschools and schools to provide purposeful, play-based experiences supporting all seven interconnected areas of learning and development.
Purposeful, Play-Based Learning
Play is at the heart of children’s development. Our sessions combine child-led exploration with carefully planned, adult-guided experiences. Practitioners respond to each child’s interests and needs, using warm interactions, thoughtful questions and new vocabulary to extend learning without taking over their play.
Learning Through Nature
The natural environment helps children develop confidence, curiosity, independence and resilience. Seasonal change, wildlife and natural materials inspire physical development, creativity, communication, early mathematical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world. Appropriate challenge and managed risk allow children to test their abilities, make decisions and experience success.
An Inclusive and Ambitious Approach
Every child is supported to participate, progress and thrive. Activities are adapted to reflect children’s ages, abilities, interests and individual needs, including children with SEND.
Planning, Observation and Partnership
Before each programme, we discuss the children, priorities and outdoor space with the setting. Sessions respond to the seasons, weather and children’s current interests. We observe their engagement and work closely with nursery staff to plan meaningful future experiences.
WHAT WE OFFER
We bring engaging Forest School and nature-based learning directly to your nursery, preschool or school. Our qualified and experienced mobile team provides the activities, equipment and natural resources, adapting every session to suit your children, priorities and available outdoor space.
Nature-Connection Sessions
No Forest School area required
If you do not have woodland, a fire circle or a dedicated Forest School area, we can still create a meaningful outdoor learning experience within your garden or playground.
During a two-hour visit, we can work with two groups of up to eight children, giving each group time to explore, investigate and connect with nature.
Activities may include:
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Natural art and transient creations
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Seasonal and sensory exploration
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Bug hunting and wildlife discovery
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Storytelling, songs and imaginative play
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Counting, sorting and pattern-making
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Exploring leaves, sticks, mud and other natural materials
Full Forest School Experience
For settings with suitable outdoor or woodland space
Where a setting has an appropriate Forest School area, woodland space or fire circle, we can provide a full two-hour experience for up to 16 children.
Sessions may include:
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Den building and team challenges
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Nature crafts and creative activities
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Safe, age-appropriate tool work
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Wildlife and seasonal exploration
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Campfire experiences
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Toasting marshmallows or preparing simple campfire food
Campfire activities are subject to the suitability of the site, weather conditions, permissions, dietary requirements and our risk assessment.
You are welcome to visit our private woodland in Chertsey.
A Qualified Mobile Team
Our experienced practitioners bring the planning, equipment and resources needed to create a safe, welcoming and inspiring session. Activities are inclusive, adaptable and designed to encourage confidence, curiosity, independence, communication and a lasting connection with the natural world.
Bring Forest School to Your Setting
Whether you have an established Forest School area or simply want your children to experience more nature-based learning, we would love to work with you.
Button wording: Enquire About Nursery Sessions
Sharing stories outdoors encourages children to listen attentively, understand new ideas, learn new vocabulary, ask questions and join in conversation.
A handmade woodland number line helps children practise counting, numeral recognition, ordering and one - to - one correspondence through playful outdoor learning.
Making puppets from natural materials encourages creativity, imagination and self- expression, inspiring children to invent characters and tell their own story.
Shared Forest School activities encourage confidence, turn - taking, co-operation and positive relationships with other children and adults.
Making fruit kebabs develops fine-motor control, hand -eye co-ordination and independence while encouraging conversations about healthy choice.
Looking closely at minibeasts encourages curiosity, careful observation and an understanding of living things and their habitats.
Natural mark - making, signs and stories help children connect spoken language with pictures, symbols and easy writing.
Age- appropriate tool work develops co-ordination, concentration, perseverance and pride in achievement.
Our carefully supervised campfire experiences encourage listening, patience, responsibility and memorable shared learning.