Ethos

At Children of the Forest our ethos and pedagogy are hugely important parts of our Forest School provision. We believe in compassionate, child-led learning and see our roles as long-term mentors as opposed to deliverers of a curriculum. As part of that learning we aim to follow and plan around the children’s needs and interests.

“I’m so glad you guys are so close to where we live. I wish they didn’t have to go to school and could just carry on coming here with you two.”

We ask that all our participants, children and parents, follow three simple principles: To look after themselves, To look after each other, To look after the Forest.

We believe in ‘meeting people where they are’, which means that we strive to be a setting for those who love getting knee deep in the mud and for those who shiver at the sight of an earthworm. Our sessions don’t have any forced activities, so that we can join you in a ‘nature connection’ journey whatever stage you’re starting at.

“Coming to Forest School was more about me. I knew the kids would be fine but I’m so glad that I’ve been coming. I held a worm and cut firewood with an axe today, it’s amazing when you think that I didn’t want to get my shoes muddy when I first came here!”

We have discussed our educational philosophies at length in our podcast “The Forest School Podcast” and now regularly give talks and training to teachers and educators about facilitating child-led outdoor learning.