Children's Forest School in Private Woodland in Small Dole, West Sussex.
Home Ed Forest Club: Wednesday and Thursday Sessions (10:am -12:30pm)
For home- educated/ flexi-schooled primary-aged children aged 4+ and their parents/carers/siblings. (All sessions are currently Full. Please email to join waiting list.)
Play with new friends, toast a snack over the fire and have fun in nature.
Parents/carers will need to stay at the site and are welcome to join in activities.
A mid-morning campfire snack will be provided but please bring extra snacks if needed and drinks to have around the fire.
We are a friendly, inclusive group and children with SEN are very welcome.
Please see our FAQs for more information or email if you have any further questions.
What is Forest School?
Playing and learning outside improve children’s physical and emotional wellbeing and the forest school experience has been shown to be hugely beneficial for children with a range of emotional and developmental needs. Rather than using classroom resources and equipment, children can use natural materials found in the woodland and enjoy activities such as collecting sticks and leaves, tying knots, making dens, handling tools, using twigs to write in the mud, climbing trees, jumping across stones and building fires.
Benefits of Forest School
Forest school can help children to develop:
self-awareness
motivation
empathy
social skills
communication skills
independence
self-esteem and confidence
physical skills including the development of both gross and fine motor skills
problem solving and risk taking
resilience
concentration
knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
There is also a growing body of scientific evidence proving that just being in nature can have a direct positive physiological impact. This includes decreasing blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol, reducing anxiety and boosting mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my child and I wear to Forest School sessions?
Weather appropriate clothing that is fine to get dirty in. Long trousers and enclosed shoes are needed to protect from brambles and, as there are deer in the woods, protection from ticks.
Please click on link for more info on ticks: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/
Winter: Welly boots/ Hats/ Gloves/ Waterproof trousers and jacket
Summer: Trousers / Long Sleeve t- shirt/ Trainers (no sandals or flip flops)
Spring/ Autumn: Waterproofs if wet/ rain is forecast.
Trousers/ Long sleeve t-shirt/ Welly boots
Do sessions go ahead if rain is forecast?
Yes! Rain will not stop us having fun in the forest. We have a large parachute shelter to keep us dry. The only time sessions will be cancelled is if there are very high winds forecast. On these occasions, a text/what's app message will be sent at the beginning of week as a warning that there is a risk of cancellation, then a second text/what's app message will be sent early on the morning of the session if a cancellation is needed. This decision is made on our Adverse Risk Assessment. A refund will be given minus the processing fee.
Is there a toilet on site?
Yes, there is an eco compost toilet.
Is there running water at the woods?
No, but we do have a limited amount for hand washing. Therefore please bring your own drinking water.
Is the woodland site fenced off?
No, although the site is private, there is no physical boundary around it, therefore parents/carers must be aware of where their children are at all times. The site is a 20 minute walk away from a busy road.
Can I choose which dates to attend?
No, unfortunately we only offer sessions as block bookings. These blocks are kept small (by month) to help parents/carers spread the cost.
If I cannot make a session in a block booking could I get a refund for it?
No, unfortunately refunds cannot be given for missed sessions.
Can I pay for a single session?
Yes, if you have not been before, I can send you a pay link for a single trial session to see if you and your child like it before committing to a block booking.
Can I drop my child/children off at the sessions?
No, sorry at this point, we do not offer drop off sessions. This is due to trying to keep the session cost low and accessible for as many families as possible.
Will there be a trained First Aider on site?
Yes, all Forest School Leaders undertake regular 'First Aid in the Outdoors' training and qualifications.
Do you have an enhanced DBS check to work with children?
Yes, all Forest School Leaders and Forest School Volunteers have current enhanced DBS checks which are updated every three years. I undertake regular safeguarding training and am fully insured.