Forest School FAQs

Got a question about Foresteers outdoor preschool, the Forest School Concept, or questions about the other forest school services we offer? Check out our FAQs below and if you can’t see the answer you are looking for, get in touch.

What is a Forest School?

The Forest School 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’

What Facilities Do You Have Onsite?

On the forest school site we have portable toilets, each set up within a pallet toilet block. Each toilet has easy access to toilet paper. Hand wash, hand sanitiser gel, paper towels and waste disposal bags will be situated by the hand wash station. Staff will instruct children about hand hygiene after toileting and before eating, and be vigilant about its practice by children.

We are happy to work with parents with toilet training and have potties to accommodate this.

For more information please view our toileting and nappy changing policy and procedure.

Our Kota Grill House, which can house 30 children comfortably, is where we can shelter from the elements, have a warm drink and story before going on another adventure.

How Much is Forest School?

Up-to-date pricing for our outdoor preschool is available by clicking here.

When Is the Preschool Open?

Our Forest School Preschool is open open 50 weeks a year from 7.30am-5.30pm. We offer full time and term time contracts.

What Age Children Can Go to Forest School

At the Foresteers outdoor nursery we take children from their 2nd birthday until the age of 4.

We also operate forest school holiday clubs which align with Sheffield’s school holidays. These are open to children aged 5-14.

Home educated children aged 5-11 can join our preschool on select days for a holistic forest school experience.

We also operate forest school workshops in schools and run Foresteers birthday parties.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like at Forest School?

7.30-8.00 – Arrival – children arrive at the setting, register, have breakfast and then play.

9.00-10.00 – Adventure Time – at 9am we gather as a group and say good moring, we talk about what we might like to do during the day, the children may choose to direct their own learning, following their own interests or they may opt to take part in an adult led activity.

10.00-10.15 – Mid-morning snack – we gather at the log circle, wash our hands and enjoy a healthy snack while we reflect on the morning so far. Snack will be provided and fresh drinking water is available throughout the day.

10.15-11.45am – Adventure Time – these continue as before.

11.45am – 12.00-Play and Say, – a small group session with their keyworker that focuses on speaking and listening

12.00-12.30 – Lunch – we eat together at the log circle

12.30-2.30 Adventure Time – some children prefer a bit of quiet time after lunch, perhaps listening to a story or two, singing a song or getting creative cookery in the community kitchen.

2.45-3.00 Mid-afternoon snack – we gather at the log circle, wash our hands and enjoy a healthy snack while we reflect on the afternoon so far. Snack will be provided and fresh drinking water is available throughout the day.

4.00- Story Time and Home – we say good bye to some of our friends.

4.00-5.30 – Adventure Time (smaller group) – children are encouraged to help clear away the site at the end of the day, we leave the woodland as we found it and remove all trace we were ever there. This is the perfect time for children to talk about their day and show off any treasures they’ve found and have some tea time nibbles.