Curriculum

Our 'Bigger Than Us' programme

'Bigger Than Us'

We blend the popular Forest Schools Philosophy with our own ‘Bigger Than Us’ curriculum to give meaning and a sense of ownership to every learner, at every age.

“Bigger Than Us” was born from a deep belief in the power of the early years to shape a child’s understanding of life. These formative stages are too important to be limited to routine care, they deserve a curriculum that embraces the richness of Nature, Community, and Curiosity.

We’ve created something rooted in real-life experiences: growing food, caring for animals, living sustainably, and sharing space with a diverse community of all ages and abilities. Our goal is to nurture thoughtful, confident children who see themselves as part of something greater, children who feel bold enough to ask the big “how” and “why” questions as they begin to explore the world.

Forest School Principles: What are they?

All forest schools across the UK operate under the same six principles which were agreed by the forest school community. These principles outline the way in which a good forest school should be operated. They also closely govern the ethos of provision.

By following these shared principles, we can ensure forest schools are clearly distinguished from other forms of outdoor learning settings, and that our children are receiving the evidence-backed experience that drives what we do.

Nature

Nature

Forest schools are based in an outdoor setting to encourage a relationship with the natural world

Long-term

Long-term

Forest school is a long-term series of regular visits rather than one offs to encourage growth and development

Holistic Learning

Holistic Learning

We adopt a child-led holistic approach to learning, nurturing the physical, social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, and spiritual aspects of individuals

Risk

Risk

Children are encouraged to take controlled risks in a safe environment in order to learn about the world around them

Leadership

Leadership

Children are led by qualified practitioners who are invested in their own professional development

Community

Community

We promote a range of learner-centred processes to encourage and create a community for development and learning

EYFS in our curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) focuses not only on what children learn, but also on how they learn. Children thrive when given chances to explore freely through their own play and independent discovery. Experiences that are both enjoyable and deeply engaging. 

At the same time, adult support is vital; by offering just enough guidance, adults can help children accomplish things they wouldn’t yet manage alone. Encouraging children to think ahead, have discussions, and make simple plans – like collecting materials before building a den – supports the development of effective learning behaviours.

Our curriculum covers development and learning in the following areas:

Communication & Language

Children's spoken language forms the foundation for all learning areas. Early, high-quality interactions with adults and peers in a language-rich environment are key to their communication and cognitive growth.

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Personal, social and emotional development is key to children's well-being and learning. Strong, nurturing relationships help them understand their own feelings and those of others.

Physical Development

Physical activity supports children's overall development and well-being. From tummy time to play, early movement builds strength, coordination, and motor skills.

Literacy

Reading involves language comprehension, which begins from birth through rich conversations, stories, rhymes, and word reading, which later builds decoding and recognition skills. Writing draws on both spelling and composing ideas through speech.

Mathematics

A solid understanding of numbers helps children build strong foundations in maths. They should confidently count and grasp numbers to 10, along with their relationships and patterns.

Expressive Arts & Design

Engaging regularly with the arts fosters children's imagination, creativity, and self-expression. Rich, varied experiences with different media help develop their understanding, vocabulary, and ability to interpret and respond to the world around them.

Understanding the World

Helping children understand the world means expanding their experiences and sense of community—through visits, meeting key people, and engaging with stories and non-fiction. These experiences build knowledge, broaden vocabulary, and support future learning.

The characteristics of effective teaching and learning

• Playing and exploring: Children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
• Active learning: Children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties
• Creating and thinking critically: Children have and develop their own ideas

Seven key features of effective practice

1. The best for every child
2. High quality care
3. The curriculum
4. Pedagogy
5. Assessment
6. Self regulation & executive function
7. Partnership with Parents

Next steps

We’d love to show you around our forest school in person. You’ll have the opportunity to see all the different areas in use,  and ask all the questions you have! Please use the buttons below to get in touch or book a visit.

Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Book a visit

Book a visit

FAQs

FAQs