Woodland School

Woodland School is an opportunity for your child to experience nature in a safe, secure and hands on way. Our ‘woodland’ is a small grassed area containing a variety of trees located to the side of the nursery. The area is fenced off, and deliberately left a little overgrown so the children can experience a different environment to the rest of the nursery garden.

We sit underneath a large beech tree, which the children use as the base at the beginning and end of each session. The area also contains stepping stones, a textured path, a planter containing wild flowers, an area planted with a variety of bushes and herbs, apple trees and a paved area. A mixture of well established trees, including beech and sycamore, give shelter while the variety of smaller bushes give plenty of low level cover (ideal for hide and seek).

There are wood piles to attract insects and mini beasts. Birds and rabbits sometimes visit our forest area. The children are stimulated to investigate and explore, but to respect all living things.

The children are encouraged to explore the area independently as well as taking part in planned activities such as shelter building. Working together as a team helps children develop skills such as cooperation and problem solving.