Our Forest School

We create meaningful, child-led learning opportunities

At Robin’s Childcare, our Forest School is a cherished part of our identity. We believe that childhood should be full of wonder, exploration and authentic experiences — and forest school provides the perfect place for all three. Here, children learn in a natural environment that inspires confidence, imagination and a deep love for the outdoors.

Guided by The Curiosity Approach, we create meaningful, child-led learning opportunities every single day.  Forest school becomes their classroom, and the world becomes their teacher.

What is a Forest School?

Forest School is an approach to early education that takes place outdoors and promotes holistic growth. Through play, exploration and supported risk-taking, children gain new skills, strengthen resilience and learn to care for the world around them.

At Robin’s Childcare, Forest School is woven into our weekly rhythm — not a standalone activity, but a living, breathing part of our curriculum.

Why are Forest Schools Important?

The importance of outdoor exploration and interaction with the natural environment is a big part of our approach. We aim to encourage our children to discover and explore their surroundings in a sensory-rich way, fostering creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. By allowing children to climb trees, splash in puddles, or dig in the dirt, they develop physical strength and coordination while also enhancing their cognitive and social abilities. Moreover, nature play provides a foundation for environmental stewardship, as children who regularly interact with nature, are more likely to develop a deep appreciation for the environment. This unstructured playtime also supports emotional well-being, reducing stress and promoting a sense of freedom and wonder.

Our Forest School Experiences

During Forest School sessions, children have the freedom to:

  • Build shelters, dens and imaginative spaces
  • Cook or warm snacks over small campfires (with strict safety supervision)
  • Explore local wildlife, plants and natural habitats
  • Use real tools safely and responsibly
  • Investigate textures, sounds and natural materials
  • Climb, balance, dig, and move their bodies freely
  • Develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills

These rich, sensory experiences create confident, capable learners who feel deeply connected to the natural world.

The Curiosity Approach in the Great Outdoors

At Robin’s Childcare, our Forest School is inspired by the principles of The Curiosity Approach:

  • Open-ended resources spark creativity and imagination
  • Child-led exploration encourages independence
  • Calm, natural environments nurture emotional wellbeing
  • Authentic materials replace plastic toys and overstimulating spaces

Gentle guidance allows children to take risks safely and develop resilience

Outdoor Learning Every Day — Whatever the Weather

Rain, shine, wind or snow — we embrace the outdoors. Proper clothing keeps children warm, dry and comfortable, allowing them to experience nature’s changing seasons firsthand.

Children at Robin’s Childcare benefit from:

  • Improved physical health
  • Calmer behaviour and better emotional regulation
  • Enhanced creativity and focus
  • Stronger immune systems
  • An early appreciation of sustainability and eco-awareness

Safety First!

At Forest School staff are fully trained and experienced in Forest School practice, all activities are risk assessed, the adult to child ratio is reduced meaning a smaller number of children attend a session.  This allows adults to really get to know children’s strengths and interests, which all support the child’s exciting learning journey in their pre-school years.

Just as each child is unique, this is true of our forest school sessions, as no session is ever the same.