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. 

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.

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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