Forest School Programmes

"Forest School is the best thing ever! I wish we could do it everyday."

Past Participant (Year 4)

Discover the Magic of Forest School

Forest & Family works with a wide range of schools, nurseries and other educational partners providing Forest School and tailored outdoor education programmes, talks, training and consultancy services.

Our holistic and passionate approach to Forest School fosters resilient, confident, independent and creative learners and offers many developmental, physical, social, emotional and psychological benefits for pupils of all ages and abilities.

We focus on nurturing child-led play, exploring and extending natural curiosities and interests and draw from a wide range of natural materials, the physical environment, tools, games, art, crafts, storytelling, song and poetry.

Our Forest School programmes operate from our Forest School licenced sites in North London, or the grounds of your own setting where suitable.

School FAQs

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. [Forest School Association]

Roots of Forest School

Forest School’s roots reach back to the teachings and practices of various early years education and outdoor learning pioneers, and more recently to Scandinavia since the 1950s. Forest School has since gained popularity and recognition in many countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, South Korea and Japan.

Meet the Forest School Team

Katie

Founder and Director of Forest & Family, Katie is an experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader, eco-therapy and Forest Bathing guide and diploma mentor Katie is also a London National Park City Ranger, Urban Futures campaigner and co-founder of the Natural Human Programme and Podcast.

Georgia

Georgia is an experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader, former primary school and specialist SEND teacher, and sought-after environmental educator, working with the Natural History Museum, The Royal Parks, Greenpeace and Green School Project. She is also a London National Park City Ranger.

Azra

Azra is a highly experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader and Trainer, trained at the pioneering Bridgewater College. Azra is advancing and promoting the field of Forest School as a calm, skilled and thoughtful practitioner, Forest School Trainer and active committee member of the UK's Forest School Association.

Nina

Nina is an experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader. Combining her wider background and talents in drama, acting and comedy Nina brings a wealth of unique creativity, imagination and dynamic energy to each session.

Carol

Carol is an experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader, primary school teacher and Theatre Company director. She is passionate about empowering city children to learn, play, take risks and find calm through the Forest School experience.

Humaira

Humaira is a highly experienced Level 3 Forest School leader. She brings exceptional talent and passion for introducing the benefits of risk-taking, bushcraft, whittling, outdoor skills and the joy of Forest School to children and urban communities.

Assistant Head Teacher, Rowland Hill Nursery

“Many of our families have limited access to outdoor space and lack confidence exploring woods and engaging with Nature. Katie facilitated great sessions which really engaged the children and promoted the benefits of the outdoor learning environment to the parents. The sessions also increased their interest and confidence in various aspects of nature and to be more open to the benefits of exploring outdoors with their children. Our staff member who supported the sessions is Forest School trained but enjoyed this great opportunity to learn new skills and develop in a new environment with the support from Katie. She has brought some ideas back to school which we have been able to incorporate into our provision.”

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Forest School Enquiry

Complete our enquiry form to explore how Forest & Family can work with you, your school, or nursery.