What is Forest School?
Our Forest School sessions immerse children in nature, encouraging play-based learning and resilience through outdoor adventures.
Children lead their own discoveries — climbing, building, creating, and connecting with the natural world around them.
Each session encourages:
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Imagination and creativity
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Physical confidence and coordination
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Teamwork and communication
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Respect and care for nature
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Resilience and problem-solving
Whether they’re building dens, hunting for bugs, or making mud pies, every child grows in confidence and joy.
We want to encourage everyone to try Forest School, so get in touch to book your child on for a FREE taster session!
If you're child is not registered with us at nursery, they can still attend our Forest School sessions on the session date and time. So whether they attend nursery elsewhere on other days, are home educated, or not currently at nursery anywhere, we are very happy to welcome them to our sessions.
Please contact our admin team to find out more: admin@stjohnsnursery.uk
Our sessions are held in our outdoor space at Redstone Lodge in Redhill (RH1 4DG).
Sessions are on Tuesdays, 10-11am. The sessions are for children ages 2-5 and cost £10.
Your child can attend if they attend our nursery or not. No need for parents to stay.
Forest School Key Principles
1. Long-Term Process
Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits. The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation, and review links each session.
2. Natural Woodland Environment
It takes place in a natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. Holistic Development
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners.
4. Supported Risk
It offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves.
5. Qualified Practitioners
It is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
6. Learner-Centered Approach
Forest School uses a range of learner-centered processes to create a community for development and learning.
Forest School FAQs
What happens if it rains?
We keep going! As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! As such, we ask that children have waterproofs and wellies, so that they can enjoy nature in all its forms.
Is it safe?
Yes. All sessions are led by trained staff, with full risk assessments and child safety ratios in place.
Do I need to stay with my child?
Forest School sessions are designed for nursery-aged children; parents do not need to stay but are always welcome to ask questions or visit beforehand.
Do I have to book for the whole term?
Sessions can be booked on a week-by-week basis, however, we can't guarantee that there will be space, as we encourage booking a block of sessions, per half-term (costing £60).
Testimonials
"My little boy looks forward to his forest school sessions every week! He tells me all about what he is learning, such as learning about the 'Red Dragon' for safety, so he is taking it all in, even at 3 years old. Really pleased that I booked him on."
Michael
Parent
"Lauren as the forest school leader is amazing. You can tell that she puts a lot of effort into planning out the sessions for the children. My son loves being outdoors, so forest school was an obvious choice for him!"
Rebecca
Parent
