Forest School sessions launch at Raised in Bristol at the Greenway Centre!
Nurturing a love of the great outdoors has always been a key part of our curriculum at Raised in Bristol nurseries. Forest School continues our play-led learning ethos, providing children with a hands-on learning experience in nature. They will also have the opportunity to problem-solve, manage risks, and build confidence in a creative environment.
But what is Forest School? Forest School is just what it sounds - an approach to education which is designed to take place outside, using the sights and sounds of local woods to inspire learning across the whole of the Early Years Foundation Stage, for all children. It promotes a hands-on way of learning through regular sessions, supporting confidence in new outside spaces, and deepening an appreciation for nature.
Just a short walk across the field behind Raised in Bristol at the Greenway Centre lies Badock’s Wood, with its winding trails and running stream. It provides the perfect backdrop for our Forest School sessions and can be accessed on foot via a footpath, so there’s no need to take the children on the road or by vehicle.
Ian, our Preschool Room Leader has 30 years of experience in Early Years education and is a trained Forest School leader. We’ve recently launched regular Forest School sessions with the preschool children at the nursery.
Sessions run twice a week and include activities designed to enhance social skills, improve physical and mental well-being, increase confidence and deeper connection to nature. The activities promote learning through hands-on, outdoor experiences such as den building, scavenging hunts, foraging activities, mud play, tool skills and climbing. The sessions also include skills such as fire building which provides supervised opportunities for learning about fire safety, responsible fire lighting and the chance to even cook over fire.
Forest school allows children to decompress, explore their emotions, and develop coping mechanisms. Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and better sleep, contributing to overall mental well-being. By interacting with nature and each other, children can develop empathy and a sense of responsibility for the environment and others.
We currently have Bristol nursery places available with an immediate start at Raised in Bristol at the Greenway Centre for children aged 6 months to 5 years. We accept government funding entitlements for working families at our Raised in Bristol nurseries. Fill out an enquiry form here and our admissions team will be in touch to invite you to a nursery tour of this wonderful setting.
