What is a Forest School?
A forest school is an outdoor education approach where children learn in natural woodland settings through hands-on activities, free play, and guided exploration. It originated in Scandinavia and focuses on building confidence, independence, and environmental awareness.
If you're searching for a nursery that offers more than traditional indoor learning, forest schools provide a unique educational experience. At Marylebone Village Nursery, we integrate forest school principles into our daily routine, ensuring every child benefits from nature-based education.
The Key Benefits of Forest Schools for Children
Research consistently shows that outdoor learning supports child development in ways traditional classrooms cannot replicate. Here's what forest schools offer:
Physical Development
- Improved motor skills through climbing, balancing, and navigating uneven terrain
- Stronger immune systems from regular outdoor exposure in all weather
- Better coordination developed through natural play activities
Emotional and Social Growth
Forest schools create environments where children develop resilience naturally. When a child successfully builds a den or climbs a challenging tree, they gain genuine confidence that transfers to other areas of life.
- Self-regulation skills learned through managing challenges independently
- Teamwork abilities developed through collaborative outdoor projects
- Reduced anxiety and improved mental wellbeing from nature connection
Cognitive Development
Nature provides endless opportunities for learning. Children naturally explore scientific concepts by observing insects, understanding seasons, and experimenting with natural materials.
What Happens at a Forest School Session?
A typical forest school session includes a mix of child-led exploration and structured activities. At our Forest Explorers programme, children might:
- Build dens and shelters using natural materials
- Identify plants, trees, and wildlife
- Create art using leaves, sticks, and mud
- Engage in sensory play with water, sand, and soil
- Learn about seasons and weather patterns first-hand
Forest Schools in All Weather
One principle that surprises many parents: forest schools operate in all weather conditions. As we say at Marylebone Village Nursery,"No matter what the weather, we will be outdoors."
Rain, wind, and even snow become learning opportunities. Children discover that with proper clothing, outdoor play is always possible. This builds adaptability and teaches children there's no such thing as "bad weather"—only unsuitable clothing.
Learn more about our approach on our outdoor philosophy page.
How Forest Schools Complement Montessori Education
Forest schools and Montessori education share core principles: child-led learning, independence, and respect for the child's natural development. At Marylebone Village Nursery, we combine both approaches to create a comprehensive early years experience.
Read our guide on the Montessori approach to learning to understand how these methods work together.
What to Look for in a Forest School Nursery
When choosing a forest school for your child, consider these factors:
- Qualified staff with forest school leadership training
- Regular outdoor sessions in genuine natural environments
- Child-to-adult ratios that allow individual attention
- Integration with indoor learning for balanced development
Discover what a typical day looks like at our nursery.
Conclusion
Forest schools offer children a unique opportunity to learn through nature, developing physical skills, emotional resilience, and a lifelong connection to the environment. When combined with quality indoor education, forest school principles create well-rounded, confident learners.
At Marylebone Village Nursery, we're proud to offer forest school experiences for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Book a visit to see our approach in action.