Forest School in Hemel Hempstead
What Is A Forest School?
A forest school nursery is a setting where children learn through hands-on experiences in a natural outdoor environment. The forest school approach encourages exploration, creativity and independence through regular sessions in woodland or green spaces.
Forest schooling supports emotional and physical development by allowing children to connect with nature. At Jack & Jill’s Day Nursery in Hemel Hempstead, we proudly incorporate forest schooling into our curriculum, giving children the opportunity to thrive both indoors and outside.
Get in touch today to learn more! Complete our contact form, call 01442 244903 or email [email protected].
Is Your Forest School Near Me?
If you are looking for forest schools near London, Jack & Jill’s Day Nursery in Hemel Hempstead offers an ideal option. Our forest school is easily accessible for families in nearby areas such as Boxmoor, Kings Langley, Bovingdon and Nash Mills.
Children benefit from regular outdoor sessions that encourage creativity, confidence and resilience through hands-on learning. Discover how close our forest school is to you by arranging a visit today!
If you are looking for nature-based early education, complete our contact form, call 01442 244903 or email [email protected] to get started.
Jack & Jill's Offers A Wide Range Of Forest School Activities
At Jack & Jill’s Day Nursery, children take part in a variety of engaging forest school activities that inspire curiosity and build practical skills. From den building and bug hunting to nature crafts and storytelling around the fire pit, every session encourages hands-on exploration.
We use high quality forest school equipment to ensure activities are both safe and enriching for all ages. These experiences help children grow in confidence and develop their teamwork skills, whilst fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.
How To Apply For A Forest School Nursery
Step 1 - Research Forest Schools
Begin by exploring forest school nurseries in your area that align with your values and your child’s needs. Look into their curriculum, approach to outdoor learning and read parent reviews to find the right fit.
Step 2 - Arrange A Visit
Contact the nursery to book a visit or virtual tour. This gives you the chance to see the forest school equipment, meet the staff and ask questions about their daily routines and safety procedures.
Step 3 - Complete An Application
Once you have chosen your preferred forest school nursery, request an application form online or from the office. Fill it out and return it along with any necessary documents. The nursery will then guide you through the next steps for enrolment.
Our approach
At Outdoor Owls we use an organic, play-based approach set outdoors following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning framework set by Ofsted (see here).
Our educational philosophy is child-led and guided by a couple of core principles. Firstly, we focus on what your child can do, not what they can’t. Secondly, we refrain from telling your child ‘what’ to think but rather facilitate them in ‘how’ to think.
By following these principles and not wrapping children in cotton wool, we believe your child will leave us strong and prepared for future learning and the rest of their lives.
Our methods
We have taken a sprinkle of inspiration from a mix of different play-based pedagogies to inspire our practice including Froebel, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Steiner, and Forest Schools. We don’t constrict ourselves to one approach but rather prefer to tailor aspects to suit each unique child’s imagination and curiosity.
We use the outdoors as a powerful open-ended setting filled with natural resources. Hence we draw a lot from ‘Forest School’ methods which are set up to allow children to lead with their innate curiosity.
Our teacher to child ratio is 1:4 for 2 year olds and 1:8 for 3-5 year olds and different child ages are mixed together. This means children get a necessary amount for educator support and are able to watch and learn through others at different learning stages. As your child gets older with us they are able to take lead in supporting younger children around them. This helps to build your child’s confidence and cognitive flexibility.
What Are The Advantages Of Forest Schools?
- Forest nursery schools promote self-led learning, helping children build confidence and decision-making skills.
- Regular outdoor sessions support physical development and promote overall wellbeing through fresh air, movement and free play.
- Group activities like den building and nature walks foster teamwork, communication and cooperation.
- Natural environments inspire imagination and problem-solving in ways traditional classrooms may not.
Our approach
At Outdoor Owls we use an organic, play-based approach set outdoors following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning framework set by Ofsted (see here).
Our educational philosophy is child-led and guided by a couple of core principles. Firstly, we focus on what your child can do, not what they can’t. Secondly, we refrain from telling your child ‘what’ to think but rather facilitate them in ‘how’ to think.
By following these principles and not wrapping children in cotton wool, we believe your child will leave us strong and prepared for future learning and the rest of their lives.
Our methods
We have taken a sprinkle of inspiration from a mix of different play-based pedagogies to inspire our practice including Froebel, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Steiner, and Forest Schools. We don’t constrict ourselves to one approach but rather prefer to tailor aspects to suit each unique child’s imagination and curiosity.
We use the outdoors as a powerful open-ended setting filled with natural resources. Hence we draw a lot from ‘Forest School’ methods which are set up to allow children to lead with their innate curiosity.
Our teacher to child ratio is 1:4 for 2 year olds and 1:8 for 3-5 year olds and different child ages are mixed together. This means children get a necessary amount for educator support and are able to watch and learn through others at different learning stages. As your child gets older with us they are able to take lead in supporting younger children around them. This helps to build your child’s confidence and cognitive flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Forest School Resources Do You Have?
At Jack & Jill’s forest school, we use a wide variety of age-appropriate resources including natural materials, child-safe tools, mud kitchens, den-building kits and bug discovery sets. These resources are designed to support creative exploration and practical skills.
Do You Play Forest School Games?
Yes, we regularly include forest school games as part of our outdoor sessions to encourage teamwork, imagination and physical activity. These games are designed to be fun, inclusive and connected to nature, helping children build confidence while enjoying the outdoors.
Does My Child Have To Go To Your Forest School?
While attendance at our forest school sessions is encouraged, it’s not mandatory. We support each child’s comfort and readiness, gradually introducing them to forest schooling in a way that feels safe and enjoyable for them.
Do Children Have To Wear A Forest School Uniform?
No, children do not need to wear a specific uniform for forest school sessions. However, we do recommend weather-appropriate clothing such as waterproofs, wellies and layers to ensure they stay comfortable while exploring outdoors.
What Is Jack & Jill's Forest School Ethos?
At Jack & Jill’s, our forest school ethos centres around child-led exploration, hands-on learning and a deep respect for nature. We aim to nurture confidence and creativity by giving children the freedom to discover, play and grow in a natural outdoor environment.