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Confidence and independence
Outdoors, children have the space to try things for themselves: climbing a bank, carrying a log with a friend or finding their own way across a muddy path. Each small success builds their belief in what they can do.
Why forest school
Children are natural explorers. Even a small patch of green space can spark hours of curiosity and discovery.
Over many years in classrooms and early years settings, we have seen how time outdoors helps young children grow in ways that go far beyond fresh air. Here are some of the changes we see most often.
Outdoors, children have the space to try things for themselves: climbing a bank, carrying a log with a friend or finding their own way across a muddy path. Each small success builds their belief in what they can do.
A child who was nervous about looking for bugs became our chief bug spotter within weeks.
Uneven ground, fallen logs and gentle slopes give children a natural workout. Climbing, balancing, digging and carrying all build strength, coordination and balance, while tiny tasks like threading leaves or picking up seeds develop the fine motor skills they will later need for writing.
Children who were once reluctant to join in with physical activities, working together to build a bridge that everyone could cross safely.
Outdoors, there is always something to talk about. Children describe what they find, ask questions, share ideas and negotiate with friends. New words such as crunchy, slimy, camouflage and hibernate come naturally when they are part of a real experience.
Children eagerly finding the words to describe what they have seen and done, and proudly sharing their achievements with everyone around them.
Fresh air, open space and the sounds of nature have a calming effect on children and adults alike. Outdoors, there is room to run and be loud, and also time to be still and quiet. Children learn to notice how they feel, and what helps them feel settled.
A large study in Denmark, following almost one million people, found that children who grew up with the least green space around their homes had up to a 55% higher risk of mental health difficulties later in life than those who grew up with the most.
Nature is full of open questions. Where has the snail gone? Why is this leaf a different colour? How can we get across the stream without getting wet? Outdoors, children learn to wonder, test their ideas and try again when something does not work the first time.
Children working as a team, asking each other questions and trying new ideas until they find a way that works. Every attempt becomes part of the learning.
When children spend time outdoors week after week, they begin to notice the natural world changing around them: buds opening, leaves turning, birds returning. They grow to love the places they explore, and children who love nature want to look after it.
Children eager to bring their families back to the places they have explored, proudly showing them where their learning took place so the whole family can enjoy it together.
At Stay and Play, you don't have to wait to hear about it afterwards. You are right there alongside your child, sharing each discovery as it happens.
You will also pick up simple ideas to carry on at home, on a walk to the park or in your own garden, so the learning continues long after the session ends.
We'd love to welcome you and your child outdoors. Register your interest, or ask about a free taster session.
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