![laura1[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b89965_8bd621b348a6400b92e304411e768390~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_97,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/laura1%5B1%5D.png)
Check back soon
Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.
top of page
Home
WILD WOOD KIDS
FOREST SCHOOL
Love the outdoors; embrace the woodland around you.
About Me
ABOUT ME
Welcome to Wild Wood Kids.
I am a Forest School Practitioner (leader) & mum of two gloriously grubby boys, one who loves to climb and leap and the other who loves to play with mud and make potions. I created Wild Wood Kids so that I can share my passion for woodlands, the great outdoors, storytelling and nature with other children and families as well as my own.
I have over 9 years experience with working with children, in several different settings. I am constantly amazed at the way children flourish and demonstrate pleasure in the outdoors, I am passionate about making our woodlands as much fun as possible for as many children as possible.
I am available to contract as a freelance Forest School Practitioner, I provide my own kit and I am happy to travel in and around the Kent area. My previous work includes working for preschool's and primary school's as well as a holiday club Forest School. Laura x
FOREST SCHOOL
Forest school provides children with the opportunity to learn through play in a woodland setting. By spending time in nature a child is given time and space to make their own choices and fun!
Forest School sessions typically run in blocks of 6 sessions or more.
Amongst the huge array of benefits that the playing and learning outdoors can provide for children, Forest School
can encourage problem solving, decision making, develops confidence, self esteem & independence. creativity and
practical skills and a deeper knowledge of the world they live in.
Whilst at Wild Wood Kids Forest School a wide range of activities will be offered if the child wants to learn new skills.
First and foremost I follow the ethos that Forest School is child led.
THE BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR PLAY
Outdoor play develops imagination, inventiveness, resourcefulness, resilience and provides sensory stimulation.
Outdoor play supports problem solving skills nurtures a childs' creativity and encourages social interactions.
Sparking your child's interest and appreciation in nature and the woodland that is local to us.
Less time watching a screen or using an ipad! More time breathing in fresh air and gaining independence!
Increased dexterity and development of gross and fine motor skills, builds a stronger body and relaxes the mind.
WHAT TO WEAR
WHAT TO WEAR IN SPRING/AUTUMN
-
Waterproofs
-
A pair of comfortable trousers (jogging bottoms or leggings)
-
A long sleeved t-shirt or top
-
A jumper
-
A fleecy zip up jacket
-
At least two pairs of socks. On the bottom, one thin cotton sock, and the top, a thick wool or fluffy bed sock
-
Wellies or sturdy closed toe shoes (which you don't mind getting wet and muddy!)
-
Spare trousers & socks
WHAT TO WEAR IN SUMMER
-
Waterproofs
-
A pair of comfortable trousers (jogging bottoms or leggings)
-
A t-shirt, light long sleeved t-shirt
-
A fleecy zip up jacket
-
A pair of socks
-
Wellies or sturdy closed toe shoes (which you don't mind getting wet and muddy!)
-
A sun hat for sunny days
-
Sun cream and Mosquito repellent
-
Spare trousers & socks
WHAT TO WEAR IN WINTER
-
Waterproofs
-
Base layer - thermals
-
Next bottom layer - fleece or other warm tracksuit bottoms
-
First top layer - long sleeve t-shirt or thin jumper
-
Second top layer - fleece jumper
-
Third top layer - fleece jacket
-
Neck scarf
-
Hat and gloves (plenty of spares to be packed in backpack)
-
Four pairs of socks. Two pairs to wear (on the bottom, one thin cotton sock, and the top, a thick wool or fluffy bed sock) and two spare pairs to be packed in the backpack
-
Extra Jumpers to be packed in backpack for really cold days
-
Snow boots or sturdy warm outdoor boots
Please dress your child appropriately for the weather before attending a session, being too hot or too cold can affect your child's enjoyment. As a rule of thumb, please add layers rather than thick clothing, layers can easily be removed if your child is too hot.
FAQ's
IS IT SAFE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN TO WORK WITH TOOLS?
Tools are only introduced after numerous sessions. I assess the suitability of using tools with every different group of children. Every single tool is introduced with a tool talk and step-by-step instructions. All tool use is monitored closely with preschool & toddler age children. Tool use will be one to one or one to two maximum.
WHAT ABOUT FIRE? IS THAT DANGEROUS?
As with tools, fire making is introduced slowly as trust and confidence increases. I only have small camp fires which are always monitored by me, an experienced qualified leader. Fires are placed in fire pit and extinguished with water.
DOES FOREST SCHOOL HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT?
I aim to teach children about nature and the environment and in doing so how to protect and care for it. Site assessments are conducted at the beginning of every session and at the end to ensure the site is left in the same, if not improved condition.
CAN I JUST DROP IN AND ATTEND WEEKLY?
Forest School has incredible benefits for your child, but these benefits will only begin to be noticeable after regular sessions in the same setting. Like most groups sessions with a leader, children need to feel secure and comfortable in their surroundings. Familiarity with the leader, the setting, the boundaries & flexible but firm format of our session will make your child feel secure & happy. Whilst I appreciate the ease of drop in sessions (being a mum myself), I would wholeheartedly recommend watching your child flourish over 6 sessions or more.. the magic of Forest School is a wonder to behold!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Forest School sessions will operate in all weathers except for high winds. If a session has to be cancelled I will endeavour to add a replacement session at the end of the block of 6 where possible.
If you are unable to attend a session unfortunately I cannot refund you.
WHERE TO FIND US
Wild Wood Kids stay and play preschooler sessions are based in Bidborough.
Upon booking you will receive directions to the site.
What is Forest School
Benefits of Outdoor Play
What to wear
FAQs
Where to Find Us
bottom of page