Our principles are the roots of everything we do. They guide how we care for each child, how we play and learn together, and how we look after the natural world.
Here is what each one means, and what it looks like when you join us outdoors.
Every child is unique and valued
Every child has their own strengths, interests, experiences and pace of development. We celebrate that individuality, giving children the chance to learn, grow and flourish in ways that are meaningful to them.
At forest school: one child might spend the whole session watching a snail, while another builds a den. Both are learning, and both are valued.
Positive relationships create positive outcomes
Positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Through trust, respect, patience and understanding, we create a safe and nurturing space where children feel valued, supported and able to take on new challenges.
We understand that behaviour is a form of communication. Being outdoors naturally brings excitement and energy, so we work with children, not against them, using calm, clear and consistent boundaries that help them feel safe and learn to manage their feelings.
At forest school: we take time to get to know every child, listen to what they have to say and value their voice.
Nature provides powerful opportunities for learning and growth
We believe that some of life's most important lessons are learned outdoors. By connecting with nature, children develop curiosity, resilience, confidence, creativity and a lifelong respect for the natural world.
At forest school: a fallen leaf becomes a lesson in colour and change, and a puddle becomes an experiment waiting to happen.
Play is essential to development
We recognise that play is a fundamental part of learning and development. Children are given the freedom to explore, imagine, create, problem-solve and follow their own interests through meaningful play.
At forest school: a stick might be a magic wand one minute and a fishing rod the next. We follow where the children's imagination leads and gently build on it.
Safe risk builds confidence and resilience
We believe that children learn through challenge and experience. By taking supported risks appropriate to their age and stage of development, children build confidence, independence, resilience and self-belief.
We don't remove all risk; we manage it carefully. We plan activities thoughtfully, check the environment before every session, supervise closely and help children learn to keep themselves safe.
At forest school: balancing along a fallen log, with a grown-up close by, can be the moment a child discovers they are braver than they thought.
Everyone deserves to feel included and respected
We welcome and value all children and families. We recognise and respect differing needs, abilities, backgrounds, cultures and experiences, and we strive to make sure everyone feels included, supported and able to take part.
At forest school: we adapt activities so every child can join in, whether that means a quieter space, a little extra time or a different way of taking part. We are always happy to talk with families about how best to support their child.
Wellbeing comes before achievement
We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, secure and connected. Our approach promotes emotional wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging, through nurturing relationships and time spent in nature.
At forest school: there is no pressure to produce or perform. Sometimes the most valuable part of a session is simply sitting quietly together, listening to the birds.
We care for nature and leave no trace
We encourage children to become caring stewards of the environment. Through our Leave No Trace approach, we teach children to respect wildlife, protect habitats, use resources responsibly and care for the world around them. Along the way, they learn that the choices we make can change the natural world, for better or for worse.
At forest school: we gently return minibeasts to where we found them, and leave every space as we found it, or better.
Learning is a journey, not a destination
We believe that learning is a lifelong process. Children, families and practitioners learn alongside one another through curiosity, reflection, exploration and shared experiences.
At forest school: we learn as much from the children as they do from us, and each session builds on the last, week by week and season by season.
Come and see for yourself
The best way to understand our principles is to experience them. Register your interest, or ask about a free taster session.
Register your interest Explore our sessions