Welcome to our Parent–Toddler Forest School, a gentle introduction to outdoor learning where little ones aged 2.5–5 explore the woods side by side with a trusted grown‑up. A forest school is a child‑led, play‑based approach that takes place in nature, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and a deep love for the outdoors. Sessions are relaxed, unhurried, and designed to feel like a calm weekly ritual for you and your child.

Together we enjoy open‑ended play, sensory exploration with sticks, leaves, and mud, simple nature crafts, songs, and stories under the trees. Children build confidence as they climb, balance, and try new things at their own pace, while developing early social skills by playing alongside other families. For you, it’s precious bonding time in nature, a chance to slow down, breathe fresh air, and share your child’s discoveries without pressure or expectations.

Our experienced leaders create a safe, nurturing environment, with clear boundaries and age‑appropriate activities so you can relax and join in the fun. Whether your toddler is cautious or adventurous, busy or quiet, there is space for every personality to flourish outdoors.

Ready to join us? Book your place or send us a quick message to find out more about upcoming sessions, availability, and what to bring.

Call to action: Book your forest school spot today

Our Parent–Toddler Forest School sessions are relaxed, child-led gatherings designed to help little ones and their grown-ups connect with nature in all weathers. Each session begins with a warm welcome circle where we sing a simple hello song, share the plan for the day, and gently introduce our safety rules. From there, children move into free exploration, following their own interests while leaders and parents offer calm, responsive support rather than directing every moment.

Throughout the session, we weave in optional guided activities such as mud kitchen play, bug hunts, den building, and simple nature crafts using sticks, leaves, and seasonal treasures. We pause together for a shared snack time, encouraging handwashing, mindful eating, and social skills. Sessions end with a closing ritual—often a song, story, or gratitude circle—helping toddlers transition calmly from the woods back to home life.

Safety and risk management are at the heart of everything we do. Leaders carry out dynamic risk assessments, set clear boundaries, and model safe tool use and fire safety where appropriate. We teach children to notice hazards, move carefully on uneven ground, and respect plants and wildlife. Parents receive gentle guidance on how to step back, observe, and support child-led play while staying close enough for comfort and supervision. We run in most weather, using rain, wind, and sunshine as learning opportunities, and adapt activities to keep everyone warm, dry, and engaged outdoors.

What to bring & session frequency
We ask families to dress for the weather: waterproofs, layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy closed-toe shoes or wellies. A small backpack with a water bottle, healthy snack, spare clothes, and any essential comfort items is ideal. Sessions usually run in weekly blocks during term-time, allowing children to build confidence, routines, and friendships over several weeks in the same woodland space.

Typical activities are always optional and adaptable to each child’s pace. The mud kitchen invites pouring, mixing, and imaginative play with mud, water, and natural loose parts. Bug hunts encourage gentle curiosity as we look under logs, use magnifiers, and talk about caring for tiny creatures. Den building offers chances to carry sticks, problem-solve, and work alongside others, while nature crafts might include leaf crowns, stick people, or simple weaving with grasses and yarn.

Songs and stories are woven through the session, often linked to the season, local wildlife, or the weather that day. Leaders model simple ways for parents to join in—offering language, naming feelings, and celebrating effort rather than outcomes. By keeping the focus on child-led play, we support independence, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging in the natural world, giving both toddlers and parents confidence to enjoy outdoor adventures far beyond our forest school sessions.

Our Parent–Toddler Forest School Programme is carefully designed to nurture your child’s whole development while you learn, play, and grow together outdoors. As toddlers climb, balance, dig, and carry natural materials, they build strength, coordination, and body awareness in ways a classroom simply can’t match. Facing small, manageable challenges in nature helps them develop resilience, problem‑solving skills, and the confidence to try again when things feel tricky.

Open‑ended play with sticks, leaves, mud, and water sparks deep curiosity and independence. Toddlers learn to make choices, follow their own ideas, and take safe risks, all while expanding their language as they name what they see, feel, and do. Group games, shared discoveries, and simple rituals support turn‑taking, empathy, and early friendship skills, laying a strong foundation for future social and emotional wellbeing.

Parents gain just as much. You’ll build confidence in supporting outdoor play in all weathers, discover simple nature‑based activities you can repeat at home, and enjoy unhurried, high‑quality time with your child away from daily distractions. Many families notice calmer evenings, easier bedtimes, and a natural reduction in screen time after a morning in the woods. You’ll also become part of a warm, like‑minded community of parents who value connection, play, and time in nature.

“Since starting Forest School, my son is braver, more talkative, and so proud of every little ‘treasure’ he finds.” – Emma, mum of a 2.5‑year‑old
“Our daughter used to cling to us at playgroups. Now she runs to explore, then comes back to share what she’s discovered.” – James, dad of a 3‑year‑old
“We’ve swapped Saturday morning cartoons for muddy boots and sticks – and our whole family is happier for it.” – Aisha, mum of a 2.5‑year‑old

Reserve your forest school spot today.

Each session blends gentle structure with plenty of freedom, so toddlers feel safe enough to explore and bold enough to lead their own play. Repeated visits to the same woodland space help children form a deep connection with the natural world, noticing seasonal changes and returning to favourite logs, puddles, and hiding places. This sense of familiarity builds security, while new challenges each week keep their curiosity alive.

Language and communication flourish as children describe textures, colours, and creatures, and as adults model rich vocabulary in real‑life contexts. Simple songs, stories, and group reflections help toddlers find their voice and share their experiences. Over time, many parents report that their children become more focused, more cooperative, and more able to manage big feelings after time outdoors.

For parents, Forest School offers a rare chance to slow down and truly see your child’s capabilities. You’ll learn how to step back at the right moments, offer support when needed, and celebrate effort rather than perfection. The shared routines, hot drinks, and conversations around the fire or log circle create lasting friendships and a sense of belonging that extends beyond the woods.

Join our next forest school block now.