We are the Foresteers!
FOREST SCHOOL EXPERIENCES
“Nature is one of our greatest teachers”
All enquires to team@foresteers.co.uk
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a playful, nature-based approach to learning that takes children outdoors to explore, discover, and grow. Rooted in curiosity and hands-on experiences, it encourages participants to build confidence, independence, and resilience while connecting with the natural world. Through activities like shelter building, wildlife observation, and creative outdoor play, Forest School nurtures a love for learning—one muddy puddle and woodland adventure at a time.
Joining the Foresteers allows children to take part in experiences that encourage creativity and exploration. All of our experiences are designed to be fun and interesting, and importantly something they would probably never otherwise experience.
The concept originates from Scandinavia where the young children are taken on walks through the forest following an imaginary character. Along the way they explore and investigate, take risks and learn together in the great outdoors. The ethos has now been introduced to the UK under the name ‘Forest School’.
More information can be read here: https://forestschoolassociation.org/full-principles-and-criteria-for-good-practice/
How the curriculum is taught at Foresteers
Foresteers practitioners begin by observing what children are interested in, what they can already do, and what they need to learn next. They then create opportunities for learning through meaningful, hands-on experiences in nature through the seasons.
Traditional teaching often follows a lesson plan where everyone learns the same thing at the same time. At Foresteers, practitioners have clear learning intentions, but they are flexible and responsive to children’s interests.
For example, if children discover a bird’s nest while looking for sticks, the practitioner might adapt the session to explore birds, habitats, counting eggs (using models or pictures), drawing nests, or telling stories about woodland animals. The curriculum is still being taught, but through the children’s curiosity and real-life experiences.
Children are allowed to choose the direction they take, discover, discuss and develop without the constraints of a table and chair. As they learn to respect this freedom they will learn about themselves, learn about others, and learn to be resilient. This approach makes learning highly engaging and meaningful while ensuring children develop the knowledge, skills, and characteristics of effective learning expected within the EYFS.
Built in to our Forest School ethos is Skogsmulle, a gentle, nature-loving character who helps bring our Forest School sessions to life. During his special visits to our preschool, he guides the children on imaginative woodland adventures, teaching them about caring for the environment and discovering the magic of the outdoors. With songs, stories, and playful exploration, Skogsmulle inspires curiosity and encourages little ones to connect with nature in a joyful, meaningful way. His visits are always a highlight—filled with wonder, learning, and the warm spirit of the forest.
Outdoor Preschool
At Foresteers Outdoor Preschool for children 2-4 years, your child will be immersed in the Forest School ethos and will have the space, time and opportunity to play and ignite their desire to learn in a unique and holistic way.
We are open 50 weeks a year, 7.30am-5.30pm and offer full time and term time contracts. We take children from their 2nd birthday.
We also save a small number of place for home educated children.
Fee Structure:
Foresteers’ Outdoor Pre School pricing from April 2026
Contracts available:
Full Time* (50 weeks)
Term Time – follows Sheffield school holidays + 5 additional unfunded days in Autumn term split across the term. Closed for 2 weeks at Christmas and bank holidays
Charges summary:
- £65 admin fee including waterproof suit, settling in sessions and login to tapestry,opt out available, families must provide their own waterproofs, spare waterproofs, settling in sessions chargeable at £13 per hour. For families that opt out a statutory progress review at 2 year olds then an annual written report will be provided.
- £72 – school day 9am-4pm all ages – includes forest school fee
- FEL/WPE hours 9am-4pm or 7.30am- 5.30am term time only
- £6.50 – Dawn Birds 7.30am-8am
- £6.50 – Breakfast Club 8am-9.8.30am
- £6.50 – Breakfast Club 8.30am-9am
- £6.50 Tea Club 4pm-4.30pm
- £6.50 Tea Club 4.30pm-5pm
- £6.50 – Roosting Birds 5pm-5.30pm
- £35 forest school daily fee for 2, 3 and 4 year olds – added to invoice
- £50 forest school daily fee 7.30am-5.30am – added to invoice
- £3.50 lunch per day (optional, term minimum)
- £10 additional session you book if on a term time contract and you book additional sessions during the holidays at preschool
- £13 per hour outside of any funding between 9am-4pm, subject to availability (optional, booking through email)
*If you choose a full time contract and use funding you will pay the day rate through the holidays
**Our forest school fee is used to deliver a forest school early years education with forest school trained practitioners, risky play, tool use and safe fire campfire cooking built in to every day.
Additional Fees paid costs
Admin Fee (opt in or out – includes outdoor suit and login to online tapestry journal) – One off £65
Foresteers Lunch (optional) Monthly – £.3.50 per day
Payment scheme admin fee (if paying through a childcare scheme or government scheme) – Monthly £2.50
If you have queries about our fees or feel the fee is a barrier to your child attending then please get in touch as families are dealt with on an individual basis.
Home Education Sessions
Our Home Education sessions at Foresteers offer children aged 5–8 a wonderful opportunity to learn, explore, and grow through nature play and Forest School adventures.
Held every Friday, these child-led sessions immerse children in the woodland, where curiosity is encouraged and imagination can run free. Children also have the chance to spend time alongside our younger preschool Foresteers, which nurtures empathy, leadership, patience, and strong social skills as they learn to support and interact with younger peers.
With activities like den building, tool use, nature crafts, and outdoor problem-solving, children develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Sessions run 9am–12pm for £25 or 9am–4pm for £50—perfect for families seeking a nurturing, outdoor-based learning experience that supports their child’s holistic development.
Holiday Sessions
Foresteers Holiday Club offers children aged 5–14 an unforgettable adventure filled with outdoor fun, creativity, and exploration. In our beautiful woodland setting, children can build shelters, learn new skills, make friends, and gain confidence—all while connecting with nature. Led by experienced Forest School practitioners, our sessions encourage resilience, teamwork, and a sense of independence. It’s the perfect way for children to enjoy the holidays: active, imaginative, and immersed in the great outdoors.
Sessions are Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm or 7.30am-5.30pm.
Birthday Parties
Contact us so we can plan your child’s party today!
Rates start from £14 per child with a minimum of 10 children and a maximum of 20 children. At least 2 adults per six children should accompany the party. Parties will take place in a suitable local area where you can bring you own packed lunch or add on the educational experience of campfire cooking.
Birthday parties can be arranged on weekdays during school holidays, and Saturday and Sundays throughout the year (due to availability). All children and adults attending the party will need to complete a consent form and have read the information sheet on what to wear.
All sessions are risked assessed and all staff holds a current enhanced DBS. Parents can arrange a site visit if they are unsure of what a Forest School party entails or to discuss the content of their child’s party. Check out our previous Birthdays on our Facebook page.
Site Development
Do you have an outdoor space that needs developing with ideas around Forest School?
If so we can come and design one for you. We ask that children, parents and teachers give ideas so we can plan your space.
We also work alongside some fantastic joiners so if you need a large site development to include an outdoor classroom and landscaping we can also provide quotes for this.
At Athelstan Primary School we worked alongside Precision Timber and delivered an amazing outdoor learning area where children can become one with nature and immerse themselves in a range of open-ended learning opportunities.
We have worked with Fir Vale Community Preschool to provide engagement and excitement in their outdoor environment by supplying open-ended resources that enhance their natural environment.
Please get in touch to arrange a site visit and consultation.
1 Day Courses
Welcome to our exciting 1 day outdoor courses where you can embark on unforgettable adventures!
From learning the art of campfire cooking with a group of children to exploring the wonders of nature play, our programs are designed to ignite your creativity and boost your confidence and resilience. With the changing seasons as our backdrop, you can hone your outdoor skills while connecting with the beauty of the natural world.
Join us and discover a supportive community where you can grow, learn, and thrive in the great outdoors.
Testimonials
Latest News
Home Education Sessions Daily!!
We’re excited to be offering more Home Education sessions at Foresteers, with separate sessions designed around two key age groups. This gives children the space to explore, learn and build friendships with others at a similar stage of development. Our sessions are...
Registered Numbers:
Foresteers: 558984
Foresteers Outdoor Preschool: 2507786