A typical day
Find out what your children might be getting up to!
What does a typical day look like?
At Forest School for Life, education begins at the very roots – quite literally! We’re pushing the boundaries of early years learning by welcoming babies into the woodland environment. This allows them to grow, explore, and develop alongside older peers.
As the day unfolds, children of all ages immerse themselves in purposeful play. They explore the natural world at their own pace. This holistic experience fosters independence, confidence, and academic readiness, ensuring that each child -whether toddling or trekking – develops the skills they need to thrive.
Forest School is a wonderful place to grow and develop. We often get asked: “But what do they do all day?” For those people who need a little more detail about the rhythm of our setting, here’s our general routine.
Arriving at the Roost
Children arrive between 8-9 in the morning into our transitional space we call the Roost. Within the Roost, all of the babies and children are greeted by their key persons. Then, they are welcomed into the setting and offered breakfast around the fire.
Circle time commences around 9am when everyone has gathered and we wash our hands and talk about what the plan is for the day. Often encouraged with a sing song and a story.
Nature walk to the Den
Once our tummies are fuelled we set off on our Nature walk up to the Den. On a typical day, this walk can be anything between 10 - 30 minutes. This depends on how the children are feeling and how much detail is noticed in the environment along the way. We see babies being carried in slings or buggies, toddlers holding hands with adults or older children, and older children generally engaged in deep conversations whilst they playfully bounce their way along the tracks.
The routes to our Den are varied. The setting offers a variety of nature walks, from meadows and ponds to storytelling fairy walks. We eventually find our way to the Den which is our primary base camp for the day.
The Den
The Den is a thoughtfully designed space where children and babies alike are greeted by our kitchen team, who carefully risk-assess the areas each day. They often set up provocations—engaging activities that spark curiosity and creativity from the moment children arrive. From painting and clay work to storytelling and tool-based exploration. Every experience in The Den supports cognitive growth, independence, and social connection.
The Den itself is a sanctuary for development, built to nurture the complex brain growth of babies through to older children. With vantage points for observation and role play, cozy hideaways for games and reflection, and areas that support specific areas of development (physical, personal, social and emotional, creative art and design, communication and language, mathematics and all about the world) the space encourages both deep focus and free exploration. Children move effortlessly between pathways, hammocks, a well-stocked library, and protective shelters, ensuring that learning continues regardless of the elements. Play and discovery blend seamlessly with academic preparation, fostering confidence, resilience, and a healthy mind and body.
After a morning of discovery, we gather in the Den for a nourishing hot lunch, refueling for the adventures ahead. Mealtimes are an opportunity to share stories, build friendships, and reinforce the value of healthy eating, ensuring that every child feels energized and supported.
Winding down for the day
As the day winds down, children pack their kit and return to the Roost for 3.30pm. Together, we express gratitude to the earth and skies through song, celebrating the beauty of the natural world before heading home. For those who linger a little longer, the warmth of the fire welcomes them as we prepare a light teatime, keeping our tummies satisfied and our spirits lifted. Families begin collecting between 4-5pm.
Prepping for the next day
The fabulous team spend time after families have left, reflecting on the day and sharing valuable insights and stories to plan and prepare for the following sessions.
At Forest School for Life, education doesn’t just prepare children for the future, it makes every moment a meaningful adventure.
No two days are ever the same here at Forest School, and that's just the way we like it!
Next steps
Come and see a typical day for yourself by booking a visit at our site. We’d love to show you around and answer any questions you have.