“Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.”
- Forest School Association
Our sessions run weekly during term time. We have locations in Leek, Macclesfield and Buxton. To get you started on your forest school journey we offer taster sessions and then book per half term. Pay as you go is available for babies and early years.
Lichen
Babies (0-2yrs)
Even the youngest babies benefit from time spent in nature, some studies say it even helps them sleep better! Our baby groups offer a welcoming natural space for you and your baby to relax, explore and meet new people. They give you a wonderful reason to leave the house and walk through the woods, a friendly place for a cuppa and a chat and somewhere to relax, play and explore. Enjoy a doze in a hammock with your baby under the trees or immerse yourself in the sensory pleasures and friendly bacterias of the forest floor.
“It’s a great gentle parenting scene which is just what we were after! Everyone’s super welcoming and we can’t recommend it enough, there’s even, regularly, dads at sessions too which is great!”
- Kate Friel, parent
Fern
Early Years (2-5yrs)
“You’d like to see what’s down the rabbit hole? Let’s go!” Our early years groups are here to encourage children to engage with their imagination and surroundings at a pace that suits them. Our play-based approach in the woodland helps children develop physical strength and coordination and our use of storytelling develops speech, language and curiosity and creativity. With a gentle child led approach our practitioners will support and follow children's interests and help them discover the wonders of nature.
“FOREST SCHOOL!!! Boots and coat on and ready by the door... a regular request from my two year old son Connor!!!! Lorna is fantastic with the children and the activities are truly inspired!!! Involving team-building, risk taking, exploring, feeling, learning, making, planting and always having Loads of fun!! Highly recommended for children of all ages!!!! X”
- Megz Higginson, parent
Bramble
Home Education (from 5yrs upwards)
Our Home Education programme for children aged five years and above provides long term Forest School, offering connection to self, others and the natural world.
Our inclusive sessions are relaxed and learner-led, allowing children and young people the opportunity to learn and develop at their own pace, discovering and following their strengths. Our experienced and compassionate practitioners facilitate a supportive environment in the woodland.
Learners can expect to develop new skills or build on existing interests such as working with tools, fire, crafting or learning about woodland management and care for the environment; or they may focus on building self confidence and friendships, enjoying socialising, relaxing and observing the woodland... imagine games, story telling, projects and challenges that bring people together!
Our qualified and experienced Forest School practitioners use individual and group observation and reflection ensuring sessions make sense to the children and young people joining us in the woods.
“Lorna is brilliant at making the children feel at ease and encourage them with learning. Especially for my 11 year old, who has ADHD and autism and has trouble making choices. She makes all of the kids there very comfortable and included.”
- Penny Jones, Parent
“My children who are 8 and 6 have been attending Greenwood Forest school for 2 months now. Within that time frame, I have witnessed their self-confidence and social skills blossom. Forest school has given the girls an opportunity to actually feel proud of themselves and is a 'safe' place, where they are learning to ground themselves within nature. This is particularly important considering one suffers with mental health issues and it gives me a well needed two hours break. Being a carer, as well as a parent is not an easy job and knowing my girls are learning, safe and happy with Lorna and her team is a massive weight of my shoulders.”
- Anonymous Parent
“Greenwood Growth Forest School is such a valuable provision for my son and other homeschooled children. It gives my son the opportunity to socialise with other children and the range of activities they do encourage his emotional and social development, as well as helping to improve various academic skills. My son really enjoys the sessions and they give him valuable learning experiences.”
- Anonymous Parent
Holiday Clubs (from 5yrs upwards)
Our holiday clubs are available for full, or half days, for children aged from five years and above and provide fun and friendship in the forest.
Our inclusive sessions are supportive, relaxed and led by the children who join allowing time to explore, discover, play and create as they choose. Our holiday clubs are led by experienced practitioners who love being outside as much as the children.
Children can expect to develop new skills or build on existing interests such as working with tools, fire, crafting or learning about woodland management and care for the environment; or they may focus on play, friendships and socialising, relaxing and observing the woodland... imagine games, story telling, projects and challenges!
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