Explore by age
Find out more about our forest children
Forest School for Life: Outdoor education for all early years stages
At Forest School for Life, we offer a unique and nurturing approach to early childhood education – one that puts nature, curiosity, and community at the heart of every day. We believe children flourish when they’re given time, space, and freedom to explore the natural world around them, and that learning doesn’t need four walls to be meaningful.
Children can join us from as early as 6 months and grow with us. Our setting isn’t a one-size-fits-all classroom. It’s a living, breathing space that evolves with the seasons, the group, and each individual child. With our child-led approach to learning, we encourage children to take charge of their own experiences, in order to develop confidence, and fuel their curiosity. For this reason, no two days are the same at forest school.
If you’re looking for an early years environment where your child is seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are – forest school might just be the right fit for you.
An alternative option to early years education
It’s time to evolve traditional early years education.
We are fortunate enough to have decades of knowledge and research regarding cognitive development, the social and emotional benefits of spending time with animals and the physical and health benefits of being outdoors.
While traditional settings often follow a more structured, classroom-based approach, forest school offers a proven, evidence-based alternative that supports development in a different way.
At Forest School for Life, children are encouraged to think independently and solve problems through play. They build resilience by learning through experience, and develop emotional and social confidence in small, supportive groups. Alongside this, children grow physically strong and capable through outdoor movement and form a lasting bond with the natural world.
Backed by decades of educational research, the forest school approach is far from new – but it continues to offer a fresh perspective for families looking for something more balanced, child-centred, and rooted in real-world experiences.
Explore by age
Aged 6 months+ (Marsupials)
Aged 6 months+
Aged 2 years+ (Leverets)
Aged 2 years+
Aged 3 years+ (Hares)
Aged 3 years+
Reception year (Wilderness wayfinders)
Reception year
Home education (Earth kin)
Home education
Holiday clubs
Why choose Forest School?
We understand that making the choice to pursue alternative early years education for your child can be scary. For that reason, we invite you to reach out and pay us a visit. Our friendly team will offer you a tour and talk you through the benefits of outdoor education.
At Forest School for Life, we know that early years education is about more than just ticking milestones. It’s about the experiences your child has that shapes them as a person. That’s why we prioritise connection – between children, families, and the natural world.
Our sessions create space for community. Parents, carers and children come together to form lasting bonds, support each other, and share in the journey. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for the next stage, you’ll always be welcomed with warmth and kindness.
We offer flexible arrangements to suit your child’s style of learning and growth. We support flexible education programmes and are happy to discuss this with you. We also have a useful guide to Flexi-Ed arrangements if you’re considering taking this route.
If you’re on the fence, why not get in touch? Our experienced staff are on hand to answer any questions you have, and would love to hear from you!