Logo of EYA Forest School Academy

The EYA Forest School Academy

Welcome to The EYA Forest School Academy, where children immerse themselves in the natural world, learning and growing through hands-on experiences in our unique outdoor classroom. Our Forest School Academy fosters a love for nature, enhances physical and emotional development, and provides a holistic approach to early childhood education. 

Three young children wearing colourful outdoor clothing and high-visibility vests explore a forest.
Four children in bright reflective vests walk down a green, leafy path.
Two children are creating nature art using soil, leaves, and yellow flower petals on white paper.
A child in a blue polka dot jacket is using a tool on a white object outdoors.
A child wearing a yellow jacket and grey beanie looks intently at a stick while kneeling outdoors in a wooded area.
A young child in a pink shirt with a zebra design smiles while showing a nature craft made of leaves, soil, and flowers.
A person arranges flowers and leaves on a tree stump, with wood chips scattered on the ground.
A young child wearing a pink hat and floral-patterned outfit climbs a tree branch in a forest, smiling.
A young girl in a reflective vest and blue outfit sits on the ground outdoors, arranging and playing with sticks.
A smiley face made from various sticks and leaves arranged on the ground.
A person holds a circular piece of ice with both hands.
A woman shows a chart to a group of children seated on the ground in a forested area.
A young child in a pink hooded jacket and yellow vest is holding a green leaf and a white flower to their nose.
Children's hands arranging soil and yellow flower petals on a white surface.
A person reads a book to a group of young children dressed in colorful winter clothes, sitting outdoors in a wooded area.
An adult and a child sit outdoors.
A young child in a reflective vest and navy outfit climbs a tree.
A young child in a blue outfit and hat, wearing a yellow safety vest and red boots, climbs on a tree branch.
Large tree with clusters of pink blossoms.
A child in a blue jacket with a small rock placed on a tree stump.
A pile of cut tree branches and logs stacked together on the ground.
A young child in a blue jacket is smiling and peeking out from between two large tree trunks.
A tall tree stands against a backdrop of sunlight filtering through the leaves.
An adult and a child roast marshmallows over a small fire pit outdoors.
A woman points to a book on a picnic table while a young boy in a green safety vest looks on with wide eyes.
An adult helps a young child light a sparkler outdoors.
Two children in reflective safety vests balance on a fallen tree trunk in a wooded area.
A young child with a teal jacket examines yellow strands while sitting on a patterned mat outdoors.
Three children in bright yellow safety vests and warm hats walking on a muddy path in a wooded area.
A young child, wearing a raincoat and polka dot trousers, examines a wooden toy with green buttons.
A group of young children wearing bright safety vests look up at a tree in a wooded area.
An adult and two children wearing green safety vests and hats are examining plants by a pond. The adult is holding colour swatches.
A woman kneels beside a child, guiding them in writing or drawing.

What Is Forest School?

Forest School is an innovative educational approach that takes children outside the traditional classroom setting and places them in a natural environment. This method encourages exploration, curiosity, and learning through play and discovery.

At our Forest School Academy, children participate in activities that connect them with nature, such as climbing trees, building dens, and investigating wildlife. These experiences help children develop critical life skills, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Logo of The EYA Forest School Academy featuring a tree with roots and leaves in a circular frame.

The Benefits of Forest School

Our Forest School Academy offers numerous benefits for children's development:

  • Connection with Nature

    Forest School encourages children to engage with the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment.

  • Physical Development

    Outdoor activities like climbing, running, and exploring promote gross motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination.

  • Emotional Well-being

    Spending time outdoors in a natural setting can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting emotional resilience and mental well-being.

  • Social Skills

    Collaborative activities in Forest School settings encourage teamwork, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution among peers.

  • Creativity and Imagination

    Open-ended play in natural environments stimulates creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills.

  • Risk Management

    Forest School allows children to engage in age-appropriate risky play, teaching them to assess and manage risks independently.

  • Self-esteem and Confidence

    Achieving goals, overcoming challenges, and mastering new skills in the outdoor environment boost self-esteem and confidence.

  • Cognitive Development

    Exploring nature stimulates curiosity, inquiry, and critical thinking skills, fostering cognitive development and a love of learning.

  • Sensory Stimulation

    Nature provides rich sensory experiences, enhancing children's sensory processing skills and promoting sensory integration.

What Is Involved?

During a six-week period, we'll provide a rough outline of the activities we plan to cover. If your child participates in additional sessions, we'll continue to introduce new skills while revisiting previously learned ones.

A white outline of a growing plant with two leaves sprouting from a small mound of soil on a dark gray circular background.

Week 1

  • Exploration Of The Area

  • Rules Of The Woods

  • Learning Our Welcome Song

A white outline of a leaf is centred on a light blue-green circular background.

Week 2

  • Introduce Whitling

  • Transient Art

  • Child Led Exploring

Simple white tree icon against a grey circular background.

Week 3

  • Introduce Daisy The Dragon

  • Sparks And Fairy Blankets

  • Child Led Exploring

A white outline of a three-leaved plant on a light teal circular background.

Week 4

  • Continue Sparks Exploration

  • Introduce Bow Saw

  • Child Led Exploring

A white outline of a hand holding a sprouting plant inside a grey circle.

Week 5

  • Introducing Palm Drills

  • Hapa Zome Printing

  • Child Led Exploring

A white magnifying glass with an insect in the centre on a dark grey circular background.

Week 6

  • Fire Cooking

  • Finish Woodwork

  • With Bow Saw

Risk Benefit Analysis

We understand that while outdoor activities have risks, they also have significant benefits. Our approach includes a comprehensive risk/benefit analysis to ensure a safe and supportive environment where children can learn about risks, challenges, and personal safety. This analysis helps us provide a well-rounded and enriching experience for every child.

Policies and Procedures

Our Forest School Academy follows the same rigorous policies as our nursery, including safeguarding children, encouraging positive behaviour, and adhering to our health and safety guidelines. Additionally, we have specific policies for Forest School, such as the use of tools, fire safety, and overall health and safety during outdoor sessions. These policies are available upon request.

Join Us At Forest School

We invite you to join us at The EYA Forest School Academy. Experience the difference our outdoor learning environment can make in your child's development. For more information or to schedule a visit, please get in touch.

GET IN TOUCH
Circular logo with a leaf icon in the centre and the text "THE EARLY YEARS ACADEMY" encircling it.

Enquire With Us Today

Make an enquiry today to secure your child's place at The Early Years Academy and start their journey in a safe, nurturing and enriching environment.

Make A General Enquiry


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