Forest School
The children put on their Forest School gear and travel by minibus to Shudy Camps where they discuss the Forest School agreements. The children are encouraged to explore the environment, and take part in long walks to find animal tracks, wild mushrooms, and other natural treasures.
During the day, we gather around the fire circle for lunchtime, snack times and even cooking lessons. During each session, we encourage children to take part in the 'risk assessment' process. This develops their own awareness and allows them to risk assess when climbing trees etc.
The children have access to safe toileting and hand washing facilities, and we provide hammocks and sleeping bags for afternoon naps, if needed. We encourage the use of hand tools, to cut and experiment with sticks, and have even made string from nettles.
The sessions are staffed on a 1 adult to 4 children ratio, significantly higher than the statutory 1:8 ratio, and are led by qualified Forest School leaders.
There is always a paediatric first aider present.
Forest School Testimonial
One of our wonderful mums have written us her family's thoughts and feelings on our Forest school. We feel so lucky to have this space to share with all Dizzy's children and hope that they love it as much as we all do.
"This August I received a beautiful book for my birthday ‘Lost Words’ by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. The introduction of this book describes it as a ‘spellbook’. It begins with ‘Once upon a time, words began to vanish from the language of children… The words were those that children used to name the natural world around them: acorn, adder, bluebell, bramble, conker…’.
Within our busy lives it’s hard to take time to pause, appreciate the natural world around us and share it with our children. In lockdown for many this has been impossible. Many have been enclosed within their four walls without much or any outdoor space. Many of us began to use our allocated ‘one hour of exercise’ to get back outdoors, walk or play with our children, rediscover outdoor spaces and the wildlife on our doorsteps. As our lives continue to change and we continue to squeeze in work, childcare, getting dinner on the table and all of our responsibilities it is hard to find the time.
For our daughter, the introduction of Forest School at Dizzy’s Day Nursery has been marvellous. With appropriate social distancing measures we were welcomed at the initial open day to see staff, parents and children outdoors all enjoying our surroundings and once again communicating and socialising. Our daughter initially attended 2 days/week with us dropping her off and collecting on-site; now she is able to go 3 days/week and be dropped off at nursery and enjoy the mini-bus ride with friends.
From learning the forest school safety rules, climbing the rope ladder, finding frogs, playing in the mud kitchen, to using tools to build, she has thrived. The staff at forest school have nurtured her interests and helped her to explore her natural surroundings. One way in which she has grown in confidence and learned to further express her likes and dislikes is during circle time when the children talk about what they’d most like to do, what they’ve most enjoyed or would like to change. She was very proud to receive the forest school badge of honour for always trying her hardest. She waits with anticipation of the day when all of the Forest School children understand the rules appropriately so that they are safely able to light a fire.
The only negative she can express to us is that our once very exciting packed lunches are now a little boring in comparison to Mandy Moo’s jumping pasta, chicken curry or cowboy pie, although snack time still brings some food related excitement.
As parents we truly believe that her time outdoors at Forest School is benefitting her development, wellbeing and knowledge and understanding of those ‘lost words’ and for that we’re grateful to Forest School and Dizzy’s Day Nursery staff."
Edie's Mum, Laura.
